Chief Jennifer Bone
Councillor Jon Bell
Councillor Melissa Hotain
Councillor Randell Wasicuna
Councillor Daryl Hapa
Councillor Billy McKay
The Chief and Council of Sioux Valley work toward make Sioux Valley a better place for all members by continuing to develop our own laws, policies and procedures. As Sioux Valley had moved away from the Indian Act, new Sioux Valley Dakota Nations laws need to be developed to replace the Indian Act laws that have governed us. Areas of focus for the Chief and Council have been finance, education, health, economic development, child and family services, and policing. The Chief and Council work closely with the Program Managers and Directors to ensure that programs are carried out in an effective manner.
Chief Jennifer Bone
Chief Jennifer Bone is a dedicated leader of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, with a strong record of service in governance, community development, and Indigenous leadership.
She was first elected to Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Council in 2010, marking the beginning of nearly two decades of leadership service. From 2010 to 2018, she served as a Councillor, contributing to strategic decision-making and community priorities. In 2018, she was elected Chief of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, serving until 2023, and was re-elected as Chief for the 2025–2027 term, reflecting continued confidence in her leadership.
Chief Bone is an active community member who currently serves on the Assiniboine College Board of Governors, supporting Indigenous representation and leadership in post-secondary education. She is a past member of the United Way Indigenous Advisory Council and the former Chairperson of the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council.
In recognition of her leadership and service, Chief Bone is a recipient of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal and a YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Social Action and Community Service.
She is an alumna of Assiniboine College, holding a Business Administration diploma with a specialization in Management, and is currently working toward completing her Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Chief Bone is a proud mother of three sons and a grandmother to one granddaughter. Her family, cultural values, and lived experience continue to guide her commitment to building a strong, healthy, and sustainable future for Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
Councillor Jon Bell
Councillor Bell is serving third consecutive term Council.
Bio coming soon…
Councillor Melissa Hotain
Melissa Hotain is currently serving her second consecutive term as an Elected Councillor for the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, a role she previously undertook over 20 years ago, and has come full circle. With a background in environmental studies, Melissa Hotain spent ten years working in policy analysis for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) on First Nations environmental and legislation issues. She was responsible for research, planning, policy analysis and strategic development related to the environment and First Nation matters, and participated in various regional, national, and international committees dealing with land, water, and environmental issues.
Melissa worked as an Independent Contractor for the past 14 years, working on a variety of initiatives including research, policy analysis, facilitation and liaison services, conference coordination, proposal development, project management, program evaluations and strategic planning.
She worked for 2 years (2020-2022) as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, Manitoba, leading the self-government file. Her experience with self-government began at 18 years old as the youth representative for the Steering Committee, and later as the Constitution Coordinator and Negotiations Manager.
In 2022, Melissa was appointed to the International Red River Board and is passionate about Indigenous water rights and issues. This is her second international appointment, previously nominated in 2015 by Canada to the Traditional Ecological Knowledge Roster of Experts, Joint Public Advisory Committee, Commission for Environmental Cooperation.
She strongly believes in working to revitalize and apply traditional knowledge based on the philosophy of assessing actions and decisions based on the health and well-being of our future generations.
Councillor Randell Wasicuna
Councillor Wasicuna is serving his first term Council.
Councillor Daryl Hapa
Councillor Hapa is serving his first term Council.
Councillor Bill McKay
Councillor McKay is serving his first term Council.
Bill McKay has dedicated many years of service to the people through his work in Public Works, where he held various roles and consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to community well-being. Known for his reliability and willingness to serve, Councillor McKay has always placed the needs of the people first.
He is deeply rooted in the cultural and traditional protocols of the Dakota People and carries this knowledge with humility and respect. Councillor McKay dedicates significant time to fulfilling his cultural responsibilities, ensuring that Dakota traditions, values, and teachings continue to be honoured and passed forward.
A devoted family man, Councillor McKay is the proud father of seven sons and two daughters, and a loving Unkan (grandfather) to two grandchildren. Family, culture, and service remain central to his life and leadership.
Councillor McKay is currently serving his first term on Council, bringing with him a lifetime of experience, cultural knowledge, and a strong commitment to serving the people of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
