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 (Finance Committee Chair, Administration, Human Resources)
Portfolio 2006-2009: Shared Services (Finance Committee Chair, Administration, Human Resources)
Portfolio 2003-2006: Education, Administration
Education: Bachelor’s Degree from Simon Fraser University in First Nations Leadership and Administration with a Minor in First Nations studies – Certificate in Negotiations -Banff Leadership Centre.
History: Connie was a long term School District 73 First Nations Support Worker 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, TIB Housing, Membership and Education Committees.
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 First Nations Rights and Title interests to support Nation Building and her passion has been to ensure improved structures and systems to support the Band’s needs to ensure quality service, fairness and due diligence.
Vision: Her vision is a self-sufficient, proud, healthy community and she works toward this through supporting employment, education and 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:
- • KIB Development Corp. (KIBDC)
- • Mount Paul Centre (MPC)
- • Spiyu7ullucw Ranch Committee
- • Howling Coyotes Foundation
- • Former Chair – Ske’lep 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.
