Snowboard mishap fells WFN Chief

Photo: Castanet Staff - File Photo

WFN Chief, Robert Louie

There's something about snowboarding and being the head of a Westside government that don't mix.

Westbank First Nation Chief, Robert Louie is laid up at home recovering from a horrific snowboarding accident at Big White earlier this month.

The accident occurred Jan 5 during what the chief described as 'icy conditions.'

"(It was) A left ankle break...extensive damage to tibia and fibia," says Louie.

"I had surgery Jan 6...several pins and 2 plates."

Chief Louie says doctors have suggested recovery time will be about three months.

In the meantime, Chief Louie says it's business as usual.

"I'm not missing any council meetings," says Louie.

He is conducting meetings over the phone and through Skype and others meetings are being held at his home office.

Louie says he is remaining optimistic and working to stay in good physical shape.

"I'm looking forward to the summer and playing golf."

Nearly two years ago, West Kelowna Mayor, Doug Findlater broke his left leg in two places while snowboarding at Big White.

As for his accident in March, 2012, Findlater says he caught an edge and felt something snap.

"It could have been worse. I went down immediately when I felt it and everything just stayed in place, so if everything had dislocated I could have been looking at pins and surgery," Findlater said at the time.

If it's true things happen in three's, it may be prudent for Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna to stay away from the ski slopes.