Councilor Janet Whitford

Janet M. Whitford is a proud Cheslatta member of the Tsayu (Beaver) Clan. Janet has worked for Cheslatta Nation for many years in various capacities, including as custodian, receptionist, social development clerk, finance assistant, and executive assistant to Chief and Council. Janet was elected as a Cheslatta Councillor in 2021 and is currently also Cheslatta Nation’s Membership Clerk.

Janet has completed her administrative assistant certificate program with honours, holds an electoral officer certificate, served on the Board of Directors for the Yinka Dene Law Centre for five years, has been a Marriage Commissioner for five years, and is currently a Board Member for the Burns Lake Native Development Corporation.

Janet is the daughter of the late Mary Charlie and granddaughter of the late Michell Charlie of East Ootsa Lake and Tetachuck Lake, B.C. She has been married to her husband, Gerald Whitford, for thirty years and together they have six children and numerous foster children. Janet is also a grandmother to nine grandchildren and three foster grandchildren.

Janet currently lives in the Burns Lake area and hopes to one day move to her grandfather’s homeland at East Ootsa Lake.