Ken Price, Chief Councillor
Ken is part of the Frank family; son of Darlene Roach (Price), and has two older sisters, Cindy Lowery (husband Chris) and Ann Roach-Billie (husband Tony). His father Bill was a commercial fisherman from Saskatchewan. Ken is married to wife Angie, with twin daughters Sieva and Mahatta. They have two dogs and some chickens.
Ken is a seasoned Registered Forest Professional (RFT) with the Association of BC Forest Professionals. His forestry career has spanned a range of portfolios, mainly with Mosaic Forest Management (previously TimberWest). He has had deep experience in large project delivery and system implementation with Mosaic. Ken has also helped reshape forestry policy for the future in his provincial committee work.
This is Ken’s second time on Council for the Nation (previous term from 2013 to 2015); first time as elected Chief Councillor. He believes that through good governance there will be strong culture, required for all aspects of safety, prosperity and how members determine what success looks like for the Nation.
Ken’s council portfolios include Economic Development, Forestry, Administration and Emergency Planning.
Coral Mackay, Councillor
Coral is a member of the Hardy family and is one of the great-grandchildren of George and Lily Hardy (nee Pielle). She grew up on reserve with her late mother, Cindy Hardy. After living away for much of her adult life, she moved back home in 2021 with her common-law partner, Elliott, and their dog, June.
Elected January 2023, Coral is serving her first term as Councillor for K’ómoks. Before her nomination, she worked on the Treaty team as the Eligibility and Enrollment Project Manager. Until recently, she was a volunteer Board Director with Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services, a delegated agency serving urban Indigenous families in the Victoria area. In addition to her professional pursuits, Coral is in the process of completing a Bachelors degree in Indigenous Studies and Political Science at the University of Victoria.
Outside of work, Coral enjoys spending time with her family and exploring her traditional territory. Her favourite activities include cooking meals for friends, camping, hiking, swimming, and reading.
Coral is honoured to have been elected a KFN Councillor and is deeply committed to the health and well-being of the Nation. Her portfolios include Governance & Finance, Education & Youth, Infrastructure, and Communications. She looks forward to working with her fellow councillors on the BC Hydro, Treaty, and Archaeology & Heritage portfolios.
Candace Newman, Councillor
Candace is the daughter of Cherie and Steve Newman, granddaughter of Ann-Marie Hardy, and is a member of the Säsitla family.
Over the last decade, Candace has focused her time on exploring and caring for the environment – from kayaking, hiking and paddleboarding to bear watching and wildlife touring throughout the BC Coast and into southeast Alaska. Her most recent roles with the Nation have brought her focus back to her homelands; first as a Guardian Watchman and then as an Archaeology Referrals Coordinator, protecting K’ómoks Cultural Heritage sites and reviewing archaeology related project referrals. Her adventures have brought her to many beautiful places on the coast and have continually strengthened her dedication to care for our lands and waters.
Candace has also begun part-time studies in Anthropology and Archaeology at North Island College (NIC) and has been inspired to apply these teachings and re-connect with her community and culture.
In her spare time, Candace enjoys sewing, cooking, and gardening, and of course, adventuring. She is an off-reserve member but lives locally in Cumberland with her partner and dog.
Candace is serving her first term as a Councillor for K’ómoks and does not take this responsibility lightly. Her council portfolios include Lands and Natural Resources, Language and Culture, and Fisheries and Aquaculture. She is looking forward to working together with her fellow council members and the community to ensure all families are included.
Susan Savoie, Councillor
Susan is a descendant of the Frank clan. Her maternal grandparents were James Wilson of Wei Wai Kai and Irene Wilson (nee Frank) of Church House (Orford Bay). Her paternal grandparents were Earnest Savoie (from Neguac, NB) and Margaret Savoie (nee Leblanc). Her parents are Yvon Savoie and Connie Savoie (nee Wilson), who passed in 2009.
Spending her early childhood in Campbell River, Susan has fond memories of visiting K’ómoks until she moved here to be closer to family. Since 1997, Susan has been married to Efren Velos, who travelled from the Philippines to settle here in Canada. They have two amazing children, Madison and Zeb.
Susan’s professional background is diverse. Her training as a Red Seal chef allowed her to travel and work abroad for many years. She has been a business owner and an early childhood educator. She has also held several KFN Administration coordinator positions, including the Youth, Social Development and Elders portfolios. Working for the Nation has been one of her greatest rewards, and has shown her that the employees are passionate, dedicated, hard working people who want to do their best for the Nation.
Excited and humbled to have been elected to Council, Susan resolves to be herself and to remember how she was raised. Her grandmother was the first woman to be elected Chief Councillor of K’ómoks. Although she had minimal formal education, her grandmother had wisdom and experience, and she carried her role with great strength.
Susan is taking on the community portfolios for Social Development, Elders, Health, and Housing. Susan’s efforts are for the people: she relishes the chance to help the community build trust in this council; to put the community first while building prosperity.
Chief and Council Roles and Responsibilities
Chief and Council Strategic Plan