Sara Tibbitts-West is the new councillor of the Burns Lake Indian Band (BLB).
She was elected with 37 votes during a by-election on Aug. 16, 2016. Robert Charlie, a former BLB chief who was running against her, received 26 votes.
The by-election was held to fill Gilbert George's position, who stepped down as councillor approximately three months before the end of his term.
"At this time, my personal well-being has become more of a priority and needs my immediate attention," George told Lakes District News.
Tibbitts-West's term will end on Oct. 21, 2016.
The next general election will be held on Oct. 21, 2016. As per the First Nations elections act, the new term of office for the BLB will be four years.
The BLB is one of seven B.C. First Nations that have opted-in to the First Nations elections act since it came into force in April 2015. The BLB's previous term of office was two years.