Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit

Les Louttit was elected to his first term as NAN Deputy Grand Chief on August 12, 2009. His election to the NAN Executive Council follows a lengthy business career focused on economic development and improving living conditions in First Nation communities.

Les is from Fort Albany First Nation, a Cree community located in the James Bay region of North Eastern Ontario. Born and raised on the land, he pursued his academic interests in Southern Ontario, graduating from Queen’s School of Business at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and earning an Executive Masters of Business Administration.

Les was one of the original employees of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, acting in a variety of leadership positions through the 1970s and 1980s including Director of Community Development, Director of Local Government, Housing Specialist and Executive Director.

One of his biggest accomplishments came while serving as NAN’s negotiator on governance negotiations with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (1997-98). His efforts resulted in the Framework Agreement on NAN Governance, a landmark agreement that has helped shape the future for NAN First Nations.

He has worked extensively in Northern Ontario and Quebec for more than 20 years to help First Nations, Tribal Councils, First Nation organizations and other Aboriginal groups build better futures for their communities and their people.

Prior to his election as Deputy Grand Chief, Les operated a management consulting business based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He has extensive experience developing capital housing and infrastructure expenditure projects.