Rick O'Brien gets a hug at the community celebration of the new Council in April 2011. Chief O'Brien and the Council were elected for a three-year term on March 16, 2011.

Office of the Chief

As per the KDFN Constitution:

Powers and Responsibilities of the Chief

1. The Chief of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation:
1. is the leader of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation; and
2. is the leader of any delegation representing the Kwanlin Dün First Nation in any intergovernmental relationship.
2. The Chief is accountable to Citizens in accordance with this Constitution.
3. The Chief is responsible to:
1. preside at meetings of the General Assembly, the Council, and other bodies of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation as required by this Constitution or Kwanlin Dün First Nation law;
2. report to the General Assembly on the state of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation; and
3. carry out any other power or perform any function required by this Constitution or Kwanlin Dün First Nation law.

Election and Conditions of Office

1. Kwanlin Dün Citizens will elect the Chief in accordance with the Constitution.
2. The Chief:
1. must serve on a full-time basis; and
2. must not hold any other office in the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, except as provided in this Constitution or Kwanlin Dün First Nation law.
3. During the Chief's term of office, the Chief:
1. must not be employed by, or actively operate or manage, a business, trade or professional practice at any time more than 30 days after being elected Chief, but
2. may have a sole or part ownership interest in such an enterprise, subject to the Kwanlin Dün First Nation Code of Conduct.

Acting Chief

1. The Council must choose one of its members to serve as the acting Chief of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, for such period as the Council determines.
2. In the absence of the Chief, the acting Chief may:
1. preside over meetings of the Council; and
2. perform any power or function of the Chief under this Constitution or under Kwanlin Dün First Nation law.