DESIGNING OUR ECONOMIES INDIGENOMICS BY DESIGN SPEAKERS

COUNCILLOR TREVOR COOTES

COUNCILLOR, HUU-AY-AHT FIRST NATION

Trevor Cootes was born and raised in Port Alberni.  He belongs to the ʔApwinisatḥʔ house, and is a descendant of the Dennis family and the Williams family.  His mother is Patsy Nookemus (nee Dennis) and his father is the late Levi Cootes.
Trevor is serving his second term as an elected member of Executive Council for the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. He holds the Economic Development portfolio and External Communications.
With 18 years of experience in the tourism industry these portfolios are a good fit with the skills Trevor brings to the table. He has worked in various areas of tourism, including accommodations, food and beverage, adventure guiding, culture, retail and campground work, as well as being an events coordinator and educator.
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Trevor attended Malaspina University/College (now Vancouver Island University) and took Business Management and Hospitality Management. Trevor had an opportunity to further his skills in tourism by taking a pilot project created jointly with Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and North Island College. The Coast Adventure Tourism certificate trained Nuu-chah-nulth members who are already interested in tourism to be outdoor guides, in fishing, kayaking, sailing and boating.

As a first-term councillor, Trevor looks forward to the challenges his new role with Huu-ay-aht will offer. He brings to council a strong work ethic and integrity, as well as a 180 degree view of business and industry, which will serve him well with his economic development portfolio. He also understands individual roles within an organization and has a strong attribute and ability to be a problem solver.
Trevor has a keen interest in the outdoors and sports and taking part in our Huu-ay-aht cultural activities.