Departments
People
Gitxaała Nation Elected Governing Council
The Gitxaała Administration is governed by the Elected Gitxaała Chief and Council.
Chief Councillor - Linda Innes
I am honoured to be serving my second term as elected Chief Councillor on behalf of Gitxaała.
In 2021, I received my Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in Political Science through the University of Northern British Columbia. I have over 30 years of work experience in health, social-work, and business administration, with the past three years in governance. I look forward to using my education and work experience to continue building a strong nation of leaders.
Over the next three years, I am committed to doing the best I can, by creating safe work environments and upholding the Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Declaration.
I come from a culture with strong traditions, and teachings of our ancestors which have sustained our people and Gitxaała Traditional territory since time immemorial. My late father was Gitksan, and my mother is Gitxaała under the house chief La’Oi.
I thank all those who came before me and I look forward to work towards decolonization, picking up the pieces of our culture, to heal, to trust, to communicate, and to unify through healthy relationships and interactions with one another, and with government to government.
Deputy Chief - Brenna Innes
Brenna Innes, a proud mother of four, belongs to the Ganhada clan, House of Dzogmgishaatks. In August 2019, she was elected to council during a by-election, bringing her dedication and expertise to Gitxaała.
Educated at the University of the Fraser Valley, Brenna holds a certificate in Indigenous Films, Maps, Rights, and Land Claims, along with an Associate of Arts Degree. Her professional journey spans the justice and health care sectors, where she has excelled in roles such as a Gladue Report Writer, Justice Coordinator, Mental Health and Addictions Worker, and Youth Worker. Through these positions, Brenna has provided invaluable support to vulnerable individuals and cultivated strong relationships across diverse backgrounds.
Passionate about promoting awareness and inclusion within the Gitxaała community, Brenna actively advocates for band opportunities and engages in political discussions. She finds joy in participating in gatherings with Gitxaała members, where they share, teach, and preserve the community’s language, traditional songs, and dances.
Brenna’s dedication is reflected in her key portfolios of Health and Justice, where she strives to make a positive impact on the well-being of Gitxaała Nation members.
Portfolios: Health & Social, Community Services, Administration
Councillor - Elliot Moody
Portfolios: GTMA, Public Works
Councillor - Joscelin Lewis
Joscelin is proud to be given the opportunity to serve our Nation as an elected council member for Gitxaala. She comes from the Ganhada Clan. She is grateful to be blessed with 4 children and 4 grandchildren.
Joscelin graduated from Prince Rupert Secondary School and has experience in administration in various roles including: Executive Assistant, Social Worker’s Assistant, Reception, Housing Clerk (Housing Managers Certificate) Payroll & Accounts Payable. She is hopeful that the experience within the organization will be very beneficial in helping develop policies/updating policies and procedures to help our nation move forward.
Joscelin is very much approachable and very open minded. She believes in teamwork, leading by example, building healthy relationships & maintaining balance. In order to do so we must work on healing & having open communication.
Joscelin enjoys traditional food harvesting with her husband, reading & watching basketball – Go Warriors Go!
Portfolios: Health & Social, Finance
Youth Councillor - Jamie Angus
Jamie Angus di waayu
Gisbutwada Di Pdeegu
Gitxaała di will waatgu
My parents are Charlotte Brown & Frank Angus Sr. My grandparents are Don Brown Sr. and the late Marjorie Brown.
Jamie has worked within Gitxaała Nation as an Education Assistant at Lach Klan School for many years and has also worked as a youth worker at the community centre. Jamie is eager to learn and is honoured to be given this opportunity to serve the nation as the youth councillor for Gitxaała.
Portfolios: GTMA, Youth, Education & Culture
Councillor - Rowena Ridley
Portfolio: Community Services, Public Works
Councillor - Gail Watkinson
Portfolio: Education & Culture