Doig River First Nation is governed by one Chief and three Councillors. Band council elections are held every two years in accordance with the Indian Act and the Indian Band Election Regulations.

– Most recent election: November 23, 2025

– Next scheduled election: November 2027

Council

Band Council elections are administered by an approved Indigenous Services Canada electoral officer for First Nations

You can find out more information on leadership selection for First Nations under the Indian Act here.

Governance Code

In 2017, DRFN Council approved the Doig River First Nation Governance Code. The code is an important document as it identifies the processes of how Council manages its decision-making, activities, conduct and transparency to the DRFN membership.  DRFN band members can request a copy of the Doig River First Nation Governance Code by contacting our Band Manager.

Council Vision

Our vision for the community is that:

  • Everyone feels cared for and supported in their journey towards Kema (health and well-being)
  • Traditional wisdom and knowledge is being combined with technology to create a better future
  • Everyone has the resources they need to live a good life

Council Mission

Our role as DRFN leaders is to role model Dane-zaa cultural values and the code of honor.

We are here to help people get the support they need to succeed, and to hold people accountable for making good use of the community supports provided.

We work to ensure the community’s dreams are achieved and that people understand their role in helping the community to achieve its goals.

Leadership Values

These guiding principles define our leadership decisions and approach:

Culture

We honor our elders and ancestors at all times.

Sharing is Caring

We encourage everyone to express their feelings and we support one another.

Balance

We balance the need for economic development with the need to protect our land and treaty rights.

Results

We pursue quality over quantity and focus on tangible outcomes.

Courage

We pursue new opportunities and don’t give up in the face of adversity.

Creativity

We look for innovative solutions and partnerships to move the community forward.

Wisdom

We talk, listen and review the facts before making important decisions.

Unity

We need each other to succeed, there is no room for blame/victim behaviour.

Recognition

Everyone has unique gifts and talents that add value to our community and we celebrate these contributions.

Chief

Chief Justin Davis


Chief Justin Davis leads the Nation with a commitment to strong governance, cultural integrity, and community well‑being. His priorities include strengthening economic opportunities, protecting treaty rights, and supporting programs that enhance health, education, and quality of life for DRFN members.

Councillors

Councillor Starr Acko


Councillor Starr Acko brings extensive experience in administration, finance, and community development. Her work emphasizes youth empowerment, education, and mental health supports, along with strengthening internal governance and community services.

Councillor Brittany Robertson


Councillor Brittany Robertson contributes her background in social work, health, and community wellness. She advocates for culturally grounded approaches to health, education, and housing, and supports initiatives that strengthen families, cultural identity, and long‑term community resilience.



Councillor Korbin Davis


Councillor Korbin Davis brings a strong commitment to community healing, land stewardship, and inclusive governance. His work focuses on strengthening emergency management capacity, supporting culturally grounded healing initiatives, and ensuring that youth have a meaningful voice in decision‑making. He advocates for programs that build resilience, deepen community connection, and create opportunities for young people to participate in shaping the future of Doig River First Nation.

Member Content

Members can find Band General Meeting Minutes and additional information related to Chief and Council activities in the Members Only portion of our website here.

Chief and Council Gallery

Chief Trevor and Cuoncillor Star speak at Indigenous Success Event in Vancouver on June 1 & 2, 2023.
Super happy to collaborate with Dale Bumstead to host a leadership meeting with Treaty 8 First Nations and local governments to build relationships, honour treaty and cross cultural education. Always a pleasure to work with Chiefs Trevor Makadahay Sharleen GaleValerie AskotyRoland Willson and Darlene Hunter and Councillor Rudy Pacquette. Thank you to the mayors from FSJ Byron Stewart – Councillor, City of Fort St. John Mayor Rob Fraser Councilor Danny Soles, Fort Nelson Mayor Brent Taillefer Taylor, Mayor Darcy Dober Dawson Creek, Mayor Allen Courtorielle, Chetwynd, Mayor Danielle Veach, Pouce Coupe, Mayor Darryl Krakowka, Tumbler Ridge, Mayor Dave Heiberg, Hudsons Hope. We also had Brad Sperling, Chair Leonard Hiebert and Jordon Kealy, and Dan Rose from the PRRD! #PRRD #fortstjohn Doig River
DRFN reduced debt, received certification in 2021-22. Read full story here: https://energeticcity.ca/2022/10/26/doig-river-first-nation-reduced-debt-received-certification-in-2021-2022/?fbclid=IwAR1jNcAXHKwza4z4DLzA4RzHXY4R7gg3rKGysEBnuSrT-NEXP2D1fotfOiE
Chief Trevor Makadahay and Councillor Brittany Brinkworth spent the afternoon today with Minister Josie Osborne to discuss cumulative effects, wildlife, land, water, restoration opportunities and treaty rights. July 22, 2022
Councilors Garry Oker and Brittany Brinkworth with Chief Trevor Makadahay in Vancouver at 215 Missing Children Shrine in Vancouver
Councilor Garry Oker with beadwork plaques incorporated into FSJ’s new Festival Plaza.
Beadwork images incorporated into FSJ’s new Festival Plaza
DRFN members working the grills at community BBQ summer 2021
DRFN Council donates food to FSJ’s Women’s Resource Centre, 2021.
Cutting the ribbon after DRFN signs a Municipal Services Agreement with the City of FSJ.
DRFN Drummers at signing of Municipal Services Agreement with the City of FSJ.
Chief Trevor Makadahay speaking at the Blueberry River First Nation press conference following the announcement of the Yahey vs. BC decision. 2021.
Chief Trevor Makadahay at groundbreaking ceremony for new RCMP detachment in Fort St. John.
As part of DRFN’s Governance Code, our Council participates in Governance Training each term. This year as part of the Nation Rebuilding Project, DRFN hosted training at the Treaty 8 Tribal Association office on January 25-26th, 2022 and invited Prophet River First Nation and Blueberry River First Nation Councils to attend. DRFN was happy to collaborate with our other Beaver First Nations.
Explore Related Content

About Us

About Our Lands

Tsáá? Ché Ne Dane Culture

Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE)