Jamie Chalifoux and Keith Laboucan Appointed as New Indigenous Education Coach Leads
High Prairie School Division is proud to announce the appointment of two dedicated individuals, Jamie Chalifoux and Keith Laboucan, as Indigenous Education Coach Leads, reinforcing the division's commitment to providing the best possible support and resources for students and communities.
Jamie Chalifoux, an experienced Indigenous Education Coach with a profound connection to his Nehiyaw/Metis heritage, will be stepping into his new role as Indigenous Education Co-Lead. Jamie's extensive background in working with youth and his dedication to preserving and promoting Indigenous culture will be invaluable in his position. He has played an integral role in embedding traditional knowledge into school curricula and classrooms, fostering cultural awareness, and promoting events that celebrate Indigenous heritage, such as the High Prairie Traditional Pow Wow and Round Dance.
Keith Laboucan, formerly an Indigenous Liaison for Driftpile Cree Nation, will bring his wealth of experience in student engagement and community collaboration to his role as Indigenous Education Lead. During his tenure with Driftpile Cree Nation, Keith significantly increased student enrollment through consultative engagements, designed and implemented Indigenous-based curricular and extracurricular initiatives, and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, school staff, and band administration to enhance educational success rates.
Prior to his work with Driftpile Cree Nation, Keith was a journalist for APTN, where he created compelling news stories and reports reaching millions of viewers across Canada and the world. His contributions played a pivotal role in promoting the achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
High Prairie School Division is dedicated to ensuring the academic success and cultural well-being of students. The appointment of Jamie Chalifoux and Keith Laboucan as Indigenous Education Leads underscores the division's unwavering commitment to these objectives. They will collaborate with schools, parents, and community partners as they lead the Indigenous Education Coaching team. Jamie will be working with schools and coaches in High Prairie, Donnelly, and Falher (Ward 1 and 2), and Keith will be working with schools and coaches in Joussard, Kinuso, and Slave Lake (Ward 3 and 4).
High Prairie School Division welcomes Jamie Chalifoux and Keith Laboucan to their new roles and anticipates the positive impact they will have on Indigenous education within the division.
Pictured, left to right: Jamie Chalifoux, Keith Laboucan