Governance

“We, the Woodland Cree people, will develop and maintain a self-supporting community for our children, which respects the individual, all people, the environment and other communities.”

Governance of the Woodland Cree First Nation

Welcome to the Governance section of the Woodland Cree First Nation website. Our governance structure is the backbone of our community, embodying the principles of leadership, responsibility, and collective decision-making that guide us toward a prosperous future. At the heart of our governance are our esteemed leaders, comprised of a Chief and four Councilors, each elected to serve a three-year term. These dedicated individuals play a pivotal role in steering our community through their leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the well-being of all our members.

The Chief and Council are responsible for various designated portfolios, ensuring that every aspect of our community’s needs—be it education, health, economic development, or cultural preservation—is thoughtfully managed and nurtured. Their roles are critical in representing the Woodland Cree First Nation’s interests, both within our community and in the broader context of our engagements with external parties and organizations.

As proud members of the Kee-Tas-Kee-Now Tribal Council (KTC), we stand united with our fellow First Nations in Alberta under the Treaty 8 agreement. This alliance not only strengthens our collective voice but also enables us to share resources, knowledge, and cultural heritage, ensuring that we continue to thrive and preserve our way of life for future generations.

Through this section of our website, we aim to provide you with insightful information about our governance structure, the roles and responsibilities of our Chief and Council, and the impactful initiatives they are leading. Our leadership is committed to transparency, accountability, and open communication, ensuring that every voice in our community is heard and valued.

Join us as we delve into the heart of our governance, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Together, under the guidance of our Chief and Council, we continue to build a strong, vibrant community that honors our past, lives fully in the present, and looks with hope toward the future.

a Message from our chief & Council

Tansi, Meyo-kesikaw

We thank all the Woodland Cree people, families, friends as well as our employees and associates for all their hard work, support, and understanding in working together to build and develop our nation. 

Our Chief and Council works hard as a team to achieve the vision of self-sufficiency. Woodland Cree First Nation establishes partnerships that will benefit the quality of life and wellness for our members, while ensuring our traditional land use area and environment is respected and protected.

Our history, language, culture, and traditions make us who we are, and we endeavor to pass these values and wisdom onto our children so they can be proud of their heritage.

Our Woodland Cree members continue to hunt, trap, fish, harvest and gather as part of maintaining our livelihood and culture.

Thank you,  ki-na-nasko-mi-ti-na-wow, ekosi maka
Chief and Council, Woodland Cree First Nation #474 

Meet Our Council

Joe JR. Whitehead

Councillor

Isaac Laboucan-Avirom

Chief

Frank Whitehead

Councillor

Derek Auger

Councillor

George Merrier

Councillor

Hiy Hiy