Connie Leonard Bio

Connie is in her third term as a TIB Councillor, she was first elected in 2003.

Portfolio:
Portfolio 2009-2012: Shared Services (Admin, HR, Finance)
Portfolio 2006-2009: Shared Services (Admin, HR, Finance)
Portfolio 2003-2006: Education, Administration

Education:  Bachelors Degree from Simon Fraser University in First Nations Leadership and Administration with a Minor in First Nations studies.

History:  Connie was a long term School District 73 employee and has always been a strong advocate for First Nations as she has served on the Boards of Directors of BC Native Women’s Association, Aboriginal Employment Steering Committee, the Little Hands of Friendship Daycare Centre, the Interior Indian Friendship Society, Housing committee (as Chairperson), and Membership and Education.

Family:  Connie’s strong connection to the reserve comes from her family. Connie’s mother and father are Vivian and Joe Leonard. Her grandfather is Alec Leonard and grandmother is Amy Manuel.

Why she ran for council:  Connie made the decision to run for council as she wanted to learn more about the needs of the community and to make a difference. She is a strong advocate for Constitutional Rights and Title interest to support Nation Building and her mandate has been to ensure better structure, foundations and support within the Band Administration to ensure fairness and due diligence.

Vision:  Her vision is a self-sufficient, proud, healthy community and she works toward this through supporting training programs for band and staff members, comprehensive community planning, and governance policies that incorporate fairness to all members of the Band. Her desire is to continuously improve the administration of the Tk’emlúps Indian Band and to create opportunities and wellness for membership. Connie not only believes in the Vision and Mission Statements of the organization, she is truly working toward the value statement of the Band, “With Teamwork We Create Action and Pride.”

Connie currently sits on the following boards:
• Board of Directors of the KIB Development Corp. (KIBDC)
• Spiyu7ullucw Ranch Committee
• Howling Coyotes Foundation
• Connie also acted as the Chair of the Skelep School of Excellence Board of Governors

Connie welcomes and encourages inquiries from band/community members on any issues or questions surrounding the band. As a member of council she wants to make sure that the band remains as open and transparent as possible and has an open door policy for questions, comments or concerns.