Leoni is a registered member of the Squamish Nation and Gitxsan Nation. Leoni’s Gitxsan name is Ksigegiasu. Leoni is in the Fireweed Clan, in the Wilp (House Group) Hanamuxw from Gitsegukla, Gitxsan Territories. Leoni has a Bachelor of Arts in Education, UBC, a Diploma of Public Sector Management and a Certificate in Administration of Aboriginal Governments both from the University of Victoria. Leoni Rivers has several years of experience in the area of Indigenous Affairs and working collaboratively with First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon.

While being an Indigenous Business Advisor and Negotiator, Leoni supported the development and implementation of policy and operational guidance documents with regard to the Indigenous Affairs agenda for various government(s) and private companies including Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Project as a Director of Aboriginal Relations, BCR Group of Companies as a Director of Aboriginal Relations, Acting Senior Negotiator for the Province of British Columbia, and Program Officer for Heritage Canada.

Currently Leoni is working with the Alberta Energy Regulator as Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations. Leoni’s work continues in Reconciliation as Relationship space supporting the organization in the understanding and awareness of Indigenous Knowledge within the Regulator from an Indigenous worldview within a western worldview. The First Peoples of Canada have a rich and diverse culture that should never be forgotten.