Cathy Chavers, Tribal Chairwoman
Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
5344 Lakeshore Drive
Nett Lake, MN 55772
Office: 218-757-3261 Extension 1260
Cell: 218-404-5409
Fax: 218-757-3312
E-mail: cchavers@boisforte-nsn.gov
Website: www.boisforte.com

Career Overview

For over thirty years, Cathy Chavers has served the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, focusing on health care before shifting her career to politics. In 2008, she kicked off her political career as the District I Representative of the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council (BFRTC) and in April of 2016, she was elected Tribal Chairwoman.

Cathy has had the honor to hold seats on various committees, forums, and Councils. Currently, she is the first female President of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT), the Bemidji Area Representative for the National Indian Health Service (IHS) Budget Forum, and a Member of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC), Results First, and the St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Advisory Board.

One of her goals as Chairwoman is to be an honest and accountable leader to the Tribal members of Bois Forte. She aspires to provide positive direction for economic and workforce development while incorporating more culture and language back into the Reservation.

Personal Overview

Growing up in Orr, Minnesota, she is one of four daughters of Daniel and Doris (King) O’Connell. She has been married to her husband Ed for over 40 years and together they have two boys, Eddie and Tim. Cathy has been blessed with seven grandchildren, one great grandchild, seven dogs, and one bearded dragon. In her spare time, she enjoys being active and spending time outdoors. Cathy continues being an avid volleyball and sports enthusiast – still cheerleading and supporting community athletes.