
Erralyn Joseph is 36 years young, married to Joshua Joseph and together they have two children, Joshua Joseph JR and Lizzie Joseph. She is a non-practicing member of the law society with a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia. Erralyn received a lacrosse scholarship to attend Niagara University where she received a Bachelor or Science in criminology and political science.
Currently, Mrs. Joseph performs in the public service sector. She is an elected Councillor for Snuneymuxw First Nation, a role she has carried since 2014. Erralyn is also the Assistant Negotiator for Snuneymuxw First Nation, and the President for Petroglyph Development Group. Her goals and responsibilities are focused on a few objectives, primarily on advancing Snuneymuxw title and rights and treaty implementation for the Snuneymuxw Treaty of 1854. In the past couple of years, Snuneymuxw has signed constructive arrangements or agreements that are geared around treaty implementation for the Snuneymuxw Peoples. Another objective of hers is strengthening the Snuneymuxw economy by generating economic and business development while improving quality of life for Snuneymuxw Peoples. Nation-building with these two objectives, in her view, are important to nurturing self-determination for Snuneymuxw First Nation and upholding equality, harmony and prosperity. Erralyn is also a board of director for the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and the newly formed Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation. Her and Joshua are the owners of Beefeater’s Chophouse and Grill. Other notable positions she has held was a Governor for Vancouver Island University for 6 years, and the BC Assembly of First Nations Female Youth Representative.
Her professional experience includes providing technical support on public policy priorities and government-to-government relations, criminal and aboriginal law practice, and provincial First Nation youth leadership. As the BC Assembly of First Nations Female Youth Rep, she worked with regional chief Jody Wilson-Reybould and First Nation Chiefs to strengthen youth leadership and identifying youth priorities through provincial youth gatherings which may be integrated within decision-making processes, provincially, federally, and within Chief and Councils. As an Aboriginal Youth Intern working with the government of BC and the First Nations Summit she gained experience with both governmental and First Nations bureaucratic processes, honing her ability to provide analytical, critical and practical analysis on various public policy, legal and political issues.
Her work in the public service sector sharpens her ability to strategically find solutions while engaging with a multitude of diverse stakeholders.