As a former Band Councillor and Chief of the Burns Lake Indian Band for 18 years, Wes brings a deep knowledge and a wealth of professional and financial experience in First Nations business, leadership and governance; as well as resource and economic development expertise. Wes was the original founder of NATIONS, spending the last 5 years working on a model that would best benefit Indigenous Peoples in terms of health and prosperity. His leadership, political and business development experience includes 3 years as a Municipal Councillor and acting Mayor of the town of Burns Lake. Most recently, Wes brought together 6 different nations in the Lakes District to facilitate negotiations for the development of a “sustainable community” model; among other industrial initiatives.