Lands Advisory Board Leaders Chief Robert Louie and Howard E. Grant Awarded Order of British Columbia
Westbank, B.C., – September 19, 2025
The Lands Advisory Board (LAB) proudly announces that Chief Robert Louie (Simo), LAB Chairman, and Howard E. Grant (qiyəplenəxʷ VII), LAB Director, have been invested into the Order of British Columbia, the province’s highest honour, at a ceremony on September 16, 2025.
This recognition honours their lifelong dedication to advancing Indigenous governance, rights, and self-determination.
Chief Robert Louie (Simo) has devoted more than 50 years to Indigenous self-governance and economic empowerment. As Chief of the Westbank First Nation (WFN) for 27 years, he championed WFN’s land code and led the negotiation of the Westbank Self-Government Agreement, as well as the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, both landmark precedents in First Nation governance. He has served as Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board for more than three decades, serves on numerous corporate boards, and has represented First Nation governance internationally. An Officer of the Order of Canada, Chief Louie is recognized for his bold leadership in advancing Indigenous rights, equity, and reconciliation.
Howard E. Grant (qiyəplenəxʷ VII), a proud member of the Musqueam Indian Band and LAB Director for the B.C. Region, has dedicated his career to Indigenous leadership and rights. He served 26 years as executive director of the First Nations Summit Society and 37 years on Musqueam Council, contributing to precedent-setting cases such as R. v. Guerin and R. v. Sparrow.
(For the complete press release, please follow this link)
2025 Members of the Order of British Columbia. (Photos here and above courtesy of the Province of B.C.)
