Chief Robert Louie LL.B, OC, Hon. Dr LL.B, Hon. Fellow Okanagan College
Chief, Westbank First Nation
Over the past few decades, newly elected Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie has built a reputation as a trusted leader, successful businessman and advocate for legislative change to further the economic and social well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
A longtime Westbank First Nation leader and former lawyer specializing in Indigenous law, Robert previously served as Chief for 24 years until 2016 – during which time he helped guide the Nation through independence, achieving self-governance in 2005.
Robert has held many leadership and advisory roles with government and private industry over the years, including more than 30 years as Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board. Louie is a recipient of many esteemed designations and awards, including Officer of the Order of Canada, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’ 2022 Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award.
Robert is committed to supporting and ensuring WFN works on affordable housing, education, employment, and health care for Membership. He supports cultural, elders, and youth programs. He is a team builder and is prepared to mentor the Council, Administration, and key staff. Robert brings experience, strong leadership abilities, the knowledge and know-how, and the energetic drive to do what it takes to get the job done.
Jaynaya Winmar
Cycle Breaker, Glow Getter, and Indigenous Entrepreneur
Jaynaya Winmar is a proud Noongar/Ballardong woman from Quairading in the wheatbelt region of Western Australia in Australia. As a Cycle Breaker, Glow Getter, and Indigenous Entrepreneur, she is passionate about making the most of every opportunity while supporting others in their growth and passions, believing in the strength of unity and collaboration.
Jaynaya has extensive experience in the Employment and Recruitment sectors, focusing on partnerships in Education and Employment across regional and remote areas of Western Australia and Victoria. Her work in the recruitment industry, particularly with disadvantaged cohorts under the employment services framework, has allowed her to identify gaps in engagement and provide strategic solutions through partnerships.
As a consultant, she specialises in developing and implementing Reconciliation Action Plans across all levels, from Reflect to Elevate, for corporate national and international companies, sporting clubs, and peak bodies. She has also contributed to the creation of Indigenous Procurement Policies and Indigenous Engagement Plans, leveraging her skills to bridge the business bonds between Indigenous businesses and the broader business landscape. Her expertise extends to engagement with State and Federal government Social Procurement Frameworks and National Procurement Strategies, ensuring the alignment of stakeholder goals and transferable skills.
Jaynaya recently started her own business, operating on a model of effective networking, where she connects key stakeholders in a way that is respectful and mutually beneficial. She describes herself as an expert networker, always striving to strengthen business connections within her vast network.
Her leadership is reflected in her memberships and roles in various organisations, including:
- Director of First Nation X
- Ambassador for Indigenous Women in Industry Australia (IWI)
- Distinguished Humphrey Fulbright Fellowship Alumni 2024
- Startup Year Advisory Group Member
- Member of Kinaway – Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce
- Member of Supply Nation
- Selection committee member for the Victorian Women’s Honor Roll, Victoria Office of Women
- Member of the Victorian Premier and Cabinet – Aboriginal Women’s Leadership Program Advisory Group
- Global Indigenous Ambassador and Coralus Activator
- Ambassador for Blak Angels Investment Network Program
- Active role with Wellah Limited (Clothing the Gap Foundation)
Jaynaya’s dedication to Indigenous empowerment and community development is woven into every aspect of her work, as she continues to influence policy, business, and cultural development.