Laboucan honoured for tireless leadership

Outgoing Driftpile Chief Rose Laboucan was honoured in her home community in January at the second annual Coming Together round dance. A special message was read from Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen, who was unable to attend the event. Calahasen thanked Laboucan for her “dedication to Aboriginal people” and held her up for her work in Aboriginal education. Laboucan was a fierce advocator for strongly educated Aboriginal youth. Laboucan began work with Treaty 8 as an education consultant on Jan. 19. Laboucan served as Chief for Driftpile First Nation for 12 years and she was also Grand Chief of Lesser Slave Lake Regional Council and vice- Grand Chief of Treaty 8 Alberta. “It is time to take ownership of our beautiful Indigenous knowledge in order for First Nations people to fully participate and contribute to our Canadian mosaic,” said Laboucan. For her time of service, Laboucan received a special blanket from the Treaty 8 Elders, and other gifts, including stone carving of mother holding a baby from Treaty 8 administration and a framed eagle feather from the education directors of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8.