Christopher Derickson has been an active Member of the Westbank First Nation (“WFN”) community for over 20 years. Christopher is passionate about developing young leaders and providing opportunities for youth to become their best selves. His work in developing the WFN Youth Council is part of his many community-driven initiatives that have supported his passion, and has assisted community youth in discovering their voice.

Christopher has served on a number of WFN boards and committees, as well as played a key role in the development of the 2015 WFN Comprehensive Community Plan, which established a guiding vision for the continued development and growth of the WFN community. Through his work in business development and operational management, Christopher has supported numerous Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada in strategic planning and governance. Through his active participation as a regular keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator, he is dedicated to indigenous planning, governance, and economic development. Christopher is an innovative leader committed to furthering Indigenous interests.

Prior to his election as Chief, Christopher served as a Councillor for 7 years. Christopher continues to promote the importance of education and engage with various organizations to support awareness and opportunities for community youth in achieving higher levels of education.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of British Columbia. Christopher has utilized his educational experience through his time as a faculty member at the University of Arizona Native Nations Institute as well as a lecturer at Simon Frasier University’s Beedie School of Business. Christopher’s diligence has been recognized through several academic awards including the Business in Vancouver Forty Under 40 award.

Current Appointments:

• British Columbia Achievement Foundation
• Okanagan Nation Alliance (“ONA”) Natural Resources Committee
• Okanagan Regional Library Board of Directors
• President of Ntityix Development Corp.
• ONA Chiefs Executive Council
• Okanagan Basin Water Board (ONA Representative)

Previous appointments and awards:

• Secretary and Treasurer for the All Nations Trust Company Board of Directors.
• Inaugural member of the Premiers Selection Committee for the BC Medal of Good Citizenship.
• Business in Vancouver Forty Under 40 Award Recipient
• Chair of the Okanagan College Board of Governors

Email:  Christopher.Derickson@wfn.ca