Chief Corrina Leween

Corrina was born in Burns Lake and is the daughter of Tina Elsie Edmund Jack.  Her grandparents were Michell Edmund and Rosalie Louie, and William Jack and Elsie Edmund.  She is the great-grand daughter of the legendary Chief Louie of the Cheslatta Carrier Nation

Corrina has years of experience in First Nation administration and politics.  She is a graduate of the University of Victoria Band Administration Program and worked for the Lake Babine Nation for several years as its General Manager and Housing Coordinator.  In 1997, Corrina came to work for her people as Cheslatta Band Manager, a community of 135 residents.

Chief Leween has been a dynamic force in local and regional economic development initiatives and has help make the Cheslatta Nation a driving force in the northern economy.  She is committed in building and maintaining a strong and self-sufficient community, forging strong and innovative partnerships with government, industry and the private sector. These dynamic partnerships include Cheslatta Forest Products Ltd., the Southside Health and Wellness Centre, Three Nations Water Project, Rio Tinto, Keefes Landing Road, Southside Fire Department, Cheslatta Community Forest, Grassy Plains Hot Lunch Program, Chief Louie Paddle Company,  as well, she was instrumental in establishing a community development fund that has provided over $2 million in benefits to the entire Southside Community since 2005. In 2012, Corinna presided over the celebration in which the Cheslatta Nation accepted the titles to nearly 12,000 acres of water-front property returned to her people by Rio Tinto Alcan.  In September 2016, at a ceremony on the shores of Cheslatta Lake, Chief Leween and Premier Cristy Clark signed a formal Framework Agreement which paved the way to a successful Cheslatta/BC Reconciliation Agreement in 2019.  She also led the negotiating team that concluded the Cheslatta/Rio Tinto “New Day” Agreement in 2020.

Corinna serves on a number of boards and organizations including Carrier Sekani Family Services.  She currently serves as a board member of the First Nations Financial Authority.

She works tirelessly in preserving and enhancing the culture, history and traditions of the Cheslatta people and always looks forward to rolling up her sleeves for the traditional food gathering seasons drying, smoking and canning vast amounts of fish, wild game and berries.  Corrina is well known for being an avid gardener and a devoted mother and grandmother.  She lives on her own property that was once belonged to her great uncle.  She enjoys music, golf, and other sports.