Nits’ilʔin-Qi: Chiefs
The Tŝilhqot’in National Government’s mission is to empower Tŝilhqot’in peoples to exercise, effectively and appropriately, their rights to self-determination in their traditional territories in ways which reflect Tŝilhqot’in philosophy, values, experience and culture.
Pictured above: December 2021 Tŝilhqot’in Nits’ilʔin–qi (Council of Chiefs)
TNG Tribal Chief
Tŝideldel
Nits’ilʔin Otis Guichon
Nits’ilʔin Otis Guichon was elected as Nits’ilʔin of the Tŝideldel First Nation (TDD FN) (formerly known as Alexis Creek First Nation) in 2018. Prior to this he served as a council member for 20 years. Nits’ilʔin Guichon held the position of Tribal Chief at the Tŝilhqot’in National Government since March 2025.
Nits’ilʔin Guichon is the president of Tŝi Del Del Enterprises Ltd, a joint forestry venture between TDD FN and Tolko Industries Ltd. He is also the chairperson of the Yeqox Nilin Justice Society (formerly known as Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society) and on the board of directors for the Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation joint venture. Nits’ilʔin Guichon is also directly involved in the operation of maintenance of his community, including water treatment and other community infrastructure.
Nits’ilʔin Guichon and his wife, Dinah, have 15 grand children of whom they do traditional activities with such as camping, hunting, fishing and gathering berries. Nits’ilʔin Guichon believes in giving back to his community through volunteering his time and expertise.
TNG Vice Chief
Tl’esqox
Nits’ilʔin Francis Laceese
Nits’ilʔin Francis Laceese has dedicated a majority of his lifetime to serving his community through leadership roles. Nits’ilʔin Laceese was elected Nits’ilʔin of Tl’esqox (Toosey First Nation) since 1998, as well as previously holding a council position from 1994–1998 and Band Manger position. Nits’ilʔin Laceese moved into the position of Vice Chief for the Tŝilhqot’in National Government in 2025.
With a keen focus on international relations, Nits’ilʔin Laceese has been voicing concerns of the Tŝilhqot’in on a global scale through the United Nations and other Indigenous groups. Fighting for the full jurisdiction of Tŝilhqot’in lands has always been at the forefront of his work. Focusing also on family and child well-being, Nits’ilʔin Laceese has been the President of Denisiqi Services Society since 2017, serving on the Board of Directors for over a decade.
When not working, Nits’ilʔin Laceese enjoys spending time with his family on the land, gathering, fishing and hunting.
Xeni Gwet’in
Nits’ilʔin Roger William
Nits’ilʔin William has been Nits’ilʔin for 22 Years and Nits’ilʔin-Yaz for 6 Years of Xeni Gwet’in First Nation Government. He was the lead plaintiff in the landmark 25-year court action that gained recognition of Tŝilhqot’in Title, the Tŝilhqot’in Decision. He has also served in Cariboo Regional District Government for 7 Years and Tŝilhqot’in National Government Vice-Chair.
In 2015 Nits’ilʔin William was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Northern British Columbia, for his career work and contribution to Indigenous rights & title. Nits’ilʔin William, a fluent Tŝilhqot’in speaker, and lives in Nemiah Valley. He has been an active driver of the Dasiqox Tribal Park initiative since it was announced in 2014, and worked as a Team Coordinator from 2018 to 2023. Nits’ilʔin William has also been on Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training Employment Board since 1989.
Yuneŝit’in
Nits’ilʔin Lennon Solomon
Nits’ilʔin Solomon was elected Nits’ilʔin of Yuneŝit’in in 2020. He previously held a council position with the Yuneŝit’in Government between 2002 and 2006. Nits’ilʔin Solomon was also with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government as a resource worker for 6 years. Son of Joanna Haines (Yuneŝit’in) and Rodney Solomon (Tl’esqox), Nits’ilʔin Solomon is passionate about addressing mental health and addiction issues within the Nation.
On his time away from work, Nits’ilʔin Solomon enjoys hunting, fishing and being a hockey Dad with his teenage daughter.
ʔEsdilagh
Nits’ilʔin Troy Baptiste
Nits’ilʔin Troy Baptiste has been Nits’ilʔin of ʔEsdilagh First Nation since December 2020. Nits’ilʔin Baptiste has previously worked in the Forestry sector for the past 32 years. Areas of importance to him include education, economic development, housing and food security. He resides north of Quesnel, BC with his wife. Nits’ilʔin Baptiste’s grandparents were Donna Baptiste and Gabriel Baptiste. When not working, he enjoys horseback riding, team roping and exploring the outdoors.
Tl’etinqox
Nits’ilʔin Dale Hance
Nits’ilʔin Dale Hance has been the Nits’ilʔin of Tl’etinqox since March 2025. He has served as Nits’ilʔin-Yaz (Council) for Tl’etinqox for 6 years prior to his election as Nits’ilʔin. Nits’ilʔin Hance is passionate about education, economic development, and finding solutions to drug and alcohol addictions. As a decendent of Late Madelyn Hance, Nits’ilʔin Hance is a proud father and grandfather.
