Cherlyn Billy

A member of the Shuswap Nation, near Cache Creek, British Columbia, Cherlyn obtained her degree in Arts and Law at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia and Certificate in Aboriginal Employment Development from the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology.

Cherlyn brings a rich understanding of Aboriginal people as well as strong facilitation skills and program coordination.  Prior to joining the team at the National Centre for First Nations Governance, Ms. Billy oversaw a National program that resulted in partnerships being developed effectively between organizations, federal and provincial government and employers.  Cherlyn was instrumental in developing a National partnership to develop leadership capacity and entrepreneurial skills for Aboriginal women across Canada.  She also coordinated a National Conference on Aboriginal Women in Business.  It brought together Aboriginal women entrepreneurs to share ideas, discuss topics, and focus on economic development. 

Ms. Billy has extensive experience facilitating, coordinating, and researching programs in areas of employment and self-employment, land claims, health and law.  She worked with the government, national aboriginal organizations, and with regional and community organizations and the Private Sector in both the Provinces of British Columbia and Ontario.  Cherlyn has looked at her work as part of an opportunity to learn about other people and to grow as a person.  In fact, in 2000, she worked with a team and conducted interviews with former students of the Kamloops Indian Residential School in preparation for the book, Behind Closed Doors: Stories from the Kamloops Indian Residential School, published by the Secwepemc Cultural Education Society in 2001.  While the job was to interview, it was the stories and the final results and healing that made the work rewarding.

Ms. Billy’s work on Committees includes participating on Regional and National Committees with the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement and also with the Aboriginal Implementation Committee with Statistics Canada (2005-2007) to review the Aboriginal Peoples Survey.  Her leadership experience includes a two year term as elected Chief of her community at the age of 30   from 1999 to 2001.  Cherlyn was proud to represent the Bonaparte Indian Band and to work collectively with the other communities within the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council to strengthen the goals and objectives of the Nation for future generations.

Ms. Billy’s experience as a panelist includes: Implications of FSC Principle 3 within the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Forest Stewardship Council, Annual Assembly in Oaxaca, Mexico in November 2000; Section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Socioeconomic Panel, Ontario Bar Association Charter Conference in September 2005; Economic Diversity, CANDO Conference in October 17-25, 2005; and facilitating Aboriginal Awareness Workshops with the public and private sector.

As a pow wow dancer, Cherlyn participates in cultural events during the summer and by virtue of residing in Ontario for 4 years, is an avid fan of the Iroquois Creation - lacrosse.

Cherlyn is proud to join the team at the National Centre for First Nations Governance as the Regional manager for British Columbia.