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 is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the human resource strategy for the Osoyoos Indian Band and its business interests. Together with her team and partners, she ensures that the necessary structures, systems and supports are in place to attract, sustain and retain capable people to carry out the work needed to accomplish all operational requirements. Leona ensures that Band members have priority for employment opportunities and that all employees, including Band members, have the training and support needed to meet the expectations and performance requirements of their positions.

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).

Sammy Jo Louie

Executive Assistant

Sammy is currently the Executive Assistant to the CEO for OIBDC. She brings over a decade of experience to her role having worked on the frontlines of many successful and influential OIB businesses, governance committees and initiatives. Apart from her Council duties, Sammy assists the CEO with the management of OIB Businesses.

Veronica McGinnis

Councillor

Veronica is employed by the Osoyoos Indian Band as the Social Development Worker. As an active member of the Health and Social Service Team, she champions programs and solutions that provide for the physical, emotional and mental well-being of all community members. Veronica was first elected to council in 1985 and has since served 7, two year terms.

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.