Governance

Chief Clarence Louie

Chief

Photo credit: Canadian Geographic

Recipient of the Order of Canada in 2017 and two years later, inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, Chief Clarence Louie is an internationally acclaimed leader dedicated to the economic and social prosperity of his people. For over 30 years, Clarence has been a champion for the Osoyoos Indian Band’s working culture, inspiring generations not only within the band but around the world with his message about self-empowerment through employment, hard work, and community building. Clarence is quoted widely in media and is a highly sought-after speaker for his strong and straightforward views on the link between economic development and First Nations self-reliance. Known for doing business in a modern First Nations context, Chief Clarence wants to build an ‘indigenous economy’ where First Nations business people and leaders not only participate in the mainstream of Canada’s business economy, but more and more, take a stronger leadership position to shape environmentally and socially responsible outcomes that still feed the bottom line.

Leona Baptiste

Councillor

Leona Baptiste is employed as the Human Resources Director for the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation for the past 15 years. In addition to her professional role, she is an elected Council Member for her community, having served six consecutive terms and most recently reappointed to continue her service through 2027. Leona also works as a liaison with Okanagan Correctional Centre, supporting inmate cultural programming, outreach initiatives, and the development of programs for First Nations inmates. Her work in this area focuses on cultural connection, rehabilitation, and creating pathways for reintegration. Throughout her career, Leona has been deeply committed to advancing employment and economic opportunities within Indigenous communities. Her experience spans youth employment initiatives, trades development and workforce development strategies. She has also played a key role in policy development, human rights advocacy, and navigating federal and provincial legislation for all operational business and on Osoyoos Indian Band. Leona is passionate about strengthening government-to-government relationships and supporting sustainable economic development projects that contribute to the long-term prosperity of her community. She is currently working toward completing her Master of Business Administration through Simon Fraser University, further enhancing her leadership and business expertise.

Sonya Jensen

Councillor

Way̓ iskʷist suxʷkɬʔuclm Sonya Jensen kn tl’ nk̓mip, inƛ̓x̌əx̌ƛ̓x̌ap twi sis-hulk Francis Jim Baptiste naʔɬ Matilda Baptiste, intum Lori Jensen. Hello, my name is Sonya Jensen I am a member of the Osoyoos Indian Band, my grandparents are Francis Jim & Matilda Baptiste, and my mother is Lori Jensen. I have been working with OIB youth in different capacities for the past 15 years. Creating and implementing traditional sqilxʷ teachings and nqilxʷcn language into youth programming. As an elected member of council since February 2021 my primary role is to support and advocate for the Osoyoos Indian Band membership. I strive to be a voice for the younger generations, those that cannot speak for themselves and those yet to be. It is important to see things from a youth’s perspective as they are the future. I also believe in advocating for our tmxʷúlaʔxʷ (Land), siw̓ɬkʷ (Water) and tmixʷ (All living things), to always remember where we come from and to never forget what our responsibilities are as sqilxʷ people.

Lindsay Kovacs

Councillor

Nathan McGinnis

Councillor

A leader who likes to meet the needs of the day head-on, Nathan McGinnis is a new face on OIB Council. A red seal Millwright (industrial mechanic), Nathan supervises the OIB Operations and Maintenance Department, which oversees public works like buildings, roads, sewer and water. A strong believer in hard work and getting things done when needed, Nathan is keen to work alongside other OIB Council members to engage regularly with his community. Nathan is a graduate of the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT).

Veronica McGinnis

Councillor

Councillor Veronica McGinnis is serving her 18th, 2-year term as a member of OIB Council, as the Social Services Manager for the Inkameep Resource Center and has been employed for 41 years. Veronica was first elected to council in 1985. Veronica McGinnis acts as a Council Liaison for the Osoyoos Indian Band Administration, Nk’Mip Cultural Centre and the Nk’Mip Vineyard, and a very active member of the Osoyoos Indian Band Emergency Management Team. Veronica has 40 years of experience nurturing the social fabric of the Osoyoos Indian Band and prioritizes preventative measures to improve the physical, emotional and mental well-being of her community members. Veronica’s knowledge of social issues, and her Culture has enabled her to be a very knowledgeable contributor to the Council Team. Veronica and her husband (Joe McGinnis a fluent language speaker/ teacher of 45 years), are both Residential School survivors, and together they have 3 sons, and 2 daughters, as well as 9 granddaughters, and 4 grandsons and 2 great granddaughters and 1 great grandson.

Mary Wilber

Councillor

Way’ iskʷist Smeech Sta Kaw Kaw. Mary Wilber joins the Osoyoos Indian Band Council with a lifelong commitment to our people, our language, our Ways of Knowledge, and the strength of our community. Mary’s journey has been shaped by decades of service in Indigenous education and community development, where she has worked to uplift families, protect culture, and support the next generation of Syilx leaders. Her work has always centered on connection — to land, to language, and to the teachings passed down by our Elders. Mary is the proud mother of four children and grandmother to twelve grandchildren, who inspire her every day to work toward a stronger, healthier future for all of our families. They are her reminder of why this work matters and who we do it for. As she steps into her role on Council, Mary brings heart, experience, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people of the Osoyoos Indian Band. Her leadership is grounded in service, guided by culture, and dedicated to the wellbeing of our Nation for generations to come.