Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom (Woodland Cree First Nation), Elected Chief of Woodland Cree First Nation
Isaac Laboucan-Avirom is the current Chief of Woodland Cree First Nation, where he has spent most of his life growing up. His career as a Journeyman Millwright opened opportunities that gave him the opportunity to become successful at a young age and allowed him to travel all over Alberta, B.C and the United States.
Chief Laboucan-Avirom represents the communities of Cadotte Lake, Simon Lake, Golden Lake, and Marten Lake he has served as Grand Chief on the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council Board of Directors, currently serves as Grand Chief for Economic Development on the Treaty 8 Board and participates on several various other boards. Chief Laboucan-Avirom continues to negotiate funding that will improve the Nations buildings, housing, sewage, and roads. With Chief being an integral member on these Boards of Directors he has established partnerships with government for development opportunities and has learned to use innovative and creative ways to build self sustaining companies. Chief has helped diversify Woodland Cree First Nation with a Truck Stop/Cannabis store, Woodland Crafted Homes, Woodland Engineering, MOMS CFS building, countless JVs and partnerships that have helped the Nation prosper, as well as the first province in Alberta to obtain its own Land Code. Chief Laboucan-Avirom has also continued to navigate Woodland through many sectors of development such as oil and gas, infrastructure, forestry, agriculture, and real estate.
When Chief is not in the office, he is spending time with his wife teaching their four girls how to hunt and live off the land, ensuring their history, language, culture, and traditions are carried on. An important part of his teachings is to ensure the land use area is protected and respected. Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom leads with ensuring opportunities are available for WCFN citizens and that there is stability for WCFN and future generations.