Chief and Council - Halfway River First Nation Community

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Elected Leadership of Halfway River First Nation

Our Chief and Council are elected by community members to uphold the rights, well-being, and aspirations of the Halfway River First Nation — guided by transparency, cultural integrity, and a commitment to future generations.

🦅 Chief

Chief Darlene Hunter

Chief · Since 2014

Chief — Halfway River First Nation

Chief Darlene Hunter

Since 2014, I have had the honour of serving as Chief of Halfway River First Nation, a responsibility I continue to uphold with deep humility and commitment. In this role, I act as the primary governance spokesperson for our Nation, working closely with Council, staff, and community members to advance our collective priorities and uphold our inherent rights and title. My work is grounded in a strong belief in transparent, accountable leadership that respects our traditions while actively engaging with modern governance, industry, and government partners on behalf of our people.

As a parent of four children, my leadership is guided by a profound sense of responsibility to future generations. I am dedicated to fostering a sustainable, resilient, and culturally strong community — one where our youth can thrive, our Elders are honoured, and our lands and waters are protected for those yet to come. This includes supporting initiatives that strengthen our governance, improve community well-being, and create meaningful opportunities in education, employment, and economic development.

It is a true privilege to serve the Halfway community in any way I can, whether by representing our Nation at regional and national tables, engaging directly with members, or supporting community-driven projects on the ground. I remain committed to listening to our people, advocating for their interests, and working tirelessly to ensure that our Nation’s voice is heard, respected, and reflected in every decision that affects our collective future.

— Darlene Hunter, Chief

🏛️ Band Council

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Joyce Audit

🎓 Education & Social Development

As a dedicated Councillor for Halfway River First Nation, I am honoured to serve our people with integrity, compassion, and a strong commitment to community well-being. I am responsible for the Education and Social Development portfolio on the Halfway River First Nation Council. I was elected in 2017 to represent the Achla/Fox family and have been honoured to serve our members in this capacity ever since. I am happily married and a mother of seven children — three daughters and four sons — and a proud grandmother to five beautiful grandchildren. Born and raised in Halfway River First Nation, I am fluent in speaking and writing Dunne’za, and I carry our language, culture, and teachings into the work I do every day. It is my honour to serve the Halfway community and to help create a safe, peaceful, and welcoming environment where all members feel respected, supported, and able to come together.

— Joyce Audit, Councillor

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William Field

📈 Economic Portfolio

With steadfast commitment as a Councillor for Halfway River First Nation, I am honoured to serve our people with vision, accountability, and a strong dedication to long-term community prosperity. I served on Council from 2011 to 2013 and was re-elected in 2015 to represent the Field Family, a responsibility I continue to uphold with pride and humility. In my current role, I hold the Economic Portfolio, working to support sustainable growth, create opportunities for our members, and ensure that economic development aligns with our values, rights, and future aspirations. I was born in Fort St. John and raised in the Halfway community, and am a father of four sons and a stepdaughter, and a proud grandfather — all of whom inspire my commitment to building a stronger future.

— William Field, Councillor

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Annette Davis

🌿 Lands Portfolio

As a proud representative of the Metecheah/Lilly family and steadfast Councillor for Halfway River First Nation, I am honoured to champion our lands, rights, and collective future with unwavering dedication. I hold the Lands Portfolio for HRFN, advocating for the protection, stewardship, and responsible development of our traditional territories in alignment with our Nation’s values and aspirations. Born and raised in the Halfway community, I bring deep-rooted knowledge of our lands and way of life to my role on Council, which I joined in 2024 — elected as a replacement for our late Councillor Mazie Metecheah, whose legacy of service continues to inspire my work.

— Annette Davis, Councillor

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Carla Fell

💰 Finance & Administration

As a committed representative of the Brady Family and valued Councillor for Halfway River First Nation, I am honoured to contribute with diligence, transparency, and a steadfast focus on our community’s enduring strength. I have been serving on Council since December 2025, bringing dedicated oversight to the Finance and Administration portfolio for HRFN. In this role, I ensure sound fiscal management, efficient operations, and accountable stewardship of resources that support our Nation’s priorities and growth. It is a profound honour to serve the Halfway community, and I remain deeply grateful for the trust placed in me as we work together toward a prosperous and united future.

— Carla Fell, Councillor

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Lori Wokeley

💊 Health Portfolio

As a devoted representative of the Wokeley Family and dedicated Councillor for Halfway River First Nation, I am deeply honoured to serve with compassion, cultural integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our community’s health and harmony. Since my election in December 2017, I have held the Health Portfolio for HRFN, working tirelessly to strengthen wellness programs, support families, and ensure access to vital services that uplift our people. A devoted mother of five and grandmother of three, I was born and raised in HRFN, where I fluently speak Dunne’za and hold our rich traditions close to my heart — I take great pride in our heritage and the resilience of our Nation.

— Lori Wokeley, Councillor

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Charmaine Hunter

🏠 Housing Portfolio

As a valued representative of the Hunter/Jackson Family and dedicated Councillor for Halfway River First Nation, I am honoured to advance our community’s housing needs with steadfast resolve and a deep-rooted passion for service. I hold the Housing Portfolio, focused on ensuring safe, sustainable, and accessible homes that strengthen families and support the well-being of our Nation. Born and raised in HRFN, I have served as a Councillor since December 2022, driven by a genuine love for equipping our people with the resources and opportunities they deserve. It is a privilege to contribute to the growth and resilience of Halfway River First Nation.

— Charmaine Hunter, Councillor

👩‍💼 Administration

Chief & Council Administration

Joanne West

C&C Assistant · Since 2000

I am Joanne West, and my dedicated service to the Halfway River First Nation began in September 2000. Since November 2019, I have proudly held the position of Chief and Council Assistant (C&C Assist), where I play a pivotal role in supporting our leadership.

In this capacity, I expertly coordinate meetings and engagements for Chief and Council, fostering key relationships with the oil field industry and diverse ventures essential to our Nation’s growth and prosperity. With a commitment to seamless operations and strategic collaboration, I ensure our priorities are advanced effectively for the benefit of the Halfway community.

— Joanne West (C&C Assist)