Roxanne Lindley upsets Louie for Chief of Westbank First Nation

WESTBANK – The Westbank First Nation has a new Chief and her name is Roxanne Lindley.

Robert Louie was ousted from office by 34 votes after serving as Chief since 2002. Lindley, who is daughter of the band's first Chief, John Norman Lindley, is the first woman elected to the top office of the band.

And that wasn't the only change. Gone are councillors Mic Werstiuk and Mike De Guevara, replaced by Thomas Konek and Fernanda Alexander. Joining them are returning councillors Chris Derrickson and Brian Eli.

While the results are still considered unofficial, Lindley won handily, garnering 175 votes to Louie's 141, according to a release from the band. Council will be sworn in Sept. 20 to begin their three-year term in office. 

— A minor editing correction was made to this story at 8:37 a.m. Sept. 16. Thanks to reader Guy Rutledge for the catch.

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