Northland School Division

Tanya, a mother of two boys ages six and eight, was born in Edmonton. When she turned 13, Tayna’s family decided to move to the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement (FLMS). After earning a high school diploma at Heinsburg Community School, Tanya attended NAIT for post-secondary education. In 2001, she obtained a diploma in Petroleum Engineering Technology. Like many Albertans, Tanya then worked in the oil and gas industry. She spent 10 years working for Canadian National Resources Limited (CNRL) and five years operating an oilfield trucking company with her cousin. Following her time in the oil and gas industry, Tanya began her working with the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement as a justice worker. In partnership with the RCMP and other organizations, she helped to bring specific services to the community. Tanya then transitioned into an education liaison position. The position was a joint agreement between FLMS, Northland School Division and Northern Lights Public Schools. In this role, Tanya helped Fishing Lake students with transitioning from grade 8 to high school in Cold Lake. Those experiences eventually lead to her becoming the FLMS Administrator. After two years of serving as the Administrator, Tanya decided to go back to school and take the Bachelor of Business Administration program at NAIT, majoring in Accounting. Tanya credits her work ethic and passion for learning to her father. Her father, who is 90 years old, continues to run a construction business. Tanya said, “He [Tanya’s father] taught me the importance of my name. That it was important to do what was right, whether that meant paying my bills or working hard, and that the only thing that you have when you die is your name. Integrity was important. Do what you say you are going to do. Show up, be present. But most of all, my name came from generations of proud Métis people. And that I should always be proud of them and myself. When life gets hard, work harder. And that no matter what your age is, it is just a number. You can do anything that you put your mind to.” Tanya’s goal as Board Chair is to aim high and not settle for “that is good enough”. She said there have been many changes taking place within Northland School Division and is excited to join the momentum and help Northland achieve new heights. Tanya is extremely grateful for the confidence that has been placed upon her by both Fishing Lake and Elizabeth.

Robin was born and raised on a small dairy farm in Mallorytown, Ontario. Guild and his wife Lorna have been married for over 30 years. They are the proud parents of three children and two grandchildren. Robin, who moved to Wabasca over 30 years ago, dropped out of high school in grade 12 because he was terrified to give a speech which was mandatory to pass a class. He persevered, graduated high school, and worked as a technician with AltaGas Utilities for a number of years. In addition to his work experience with AltaGas Utilities, Robin is a council member with the Municipal District of Opportunity, serves on the board of directors for the Pee Kis Kwe Tan (Let's Talk Society) and was a local school board committee chair for St. Theresa School. As a school board trustee, Guild’s priority is to help increase student attendance rates and ensure Northland schools are properly funded in order to meet the needs of each school community.

Lorraine, a mother of four children and six grandchildren, was born in McLennan. Her family lived in the community for nine years before relocating to the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement. Lorraine’s education background includes Early Childhood Education from Keyano College, a Child and Youth Care Diploma from MacEwan University and Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute (CILLDI) course completions through the University of Alberta. Before becoming a trustee, McGillivray worked with Northland School Division for 27 years as a Liaison Worker, ECS instructor, Educational Assistant, Special Assistant and Cree Instructor. As Ward 1 Trustee, Lorraine says Northland School Division education is very important to her and is focused on being a voice for students and parents. McGillivray’s favourite saying in Cree is “Akamihmok” Don’t give up!

Marianne Moberly, raised in Susa Creek alongside eight siblings in a traditional home, brings a solid foundation of community involvement and educational advocacy to the Board of Trustees. Having attended school in Grande Cache, she later pursued business administration and computer courses, leading to a successful tenure as the school liaison at Susa Creek School for nearly a decade. Marianne's deep roots in the community, inspired by the leadership skills of the women in her family, fueled her passion for volunteering and supporting local education from the ground up. From providing lunches to volunteering on field trips, Marianne has been a cornerstone of community support. Encouraged by family and community members to take her commitment to the next level, she decided to run as a school board trustee.

Bonnie Lamouche, a mother of three children, was born and raised in the Gift Lake Métis Settlement. For the majority of her life, she has worked in the field of finance and education. At the age of 43, Bonnie decided to pursue more education at Northwestern Polytechnic (formerly Grande Prairie Regional College). She attended full-time and earned a Business Administration Diploma in Accounting. Bonnie’s education story is an example that it’s never to late to go back to school. She said as a young girl, her parents stressed the importance of education. As a mother, Bonnie has passed that message on to her children. Bonnie has served on a number of education committees over the years. In addition to being the Ward 3 Trustee, she sits on the Northern Lakes College Education Committee and the Council Community Education Committee. Bonnie also actively volunteers her time to organizations like Gift Lake Minor Hockey, Gift Lake Recreation Association and People for Comm-Unity. Bonnie is also a talented artisan. She has designed earrings for people and teaches beadwork to children and adults. She says teaching beadwork is exciting and hopes the Métis tradition will continue to be passed onto future generations.

Jesse was born in High Prairie and raised in the community of Grouard. Lamouche, who has an identical twin brother, comes from a family of five boys and two girls. He attended Grouard Northland School from preschool to grade 9 and attended high school in High Prairie. Jesse says the most influential person in his life was his kokum (grandmother). He says, “She was a strong, yet soft soul. She taught us right from wrong and guided us into the adults we are today. Made us proud of our ancestry and influenced our traditional awareness.” As the Ward 4 Trustee, Jesse wants to play a part in a better tomorrow and thought education is a good place to start. He also says, “I have always been proud of where I grew up and I believe our children should feel the same way. I hope our present and future generations hold our world with respect and pay it forward in any way they feel is right.”

Born in Tofield, Alberta, and raised on the vast plains between Tofield and Camrose, Wally Rude's upbringing on a mixed grain and beef farm instilled in him the values of hard work and responsibility. Growing up, Wally's days were filled with farm chores, from milking cows by hand to caring for his 4-H beef calf, leaving little time for video games. His early education took place at Tofield School, where he attended from kindergarten through high school. Wally holds an undergraduate degree in forestry from the University of Alberta, a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University, and a PhD in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University. His research has focused on the connection between outdoor experiences and student thriving, and he has published his findings on the subject. Wally became a registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists in 2007 and has since practiced in various roles, including positions at Ambrose University, Yukon University, and Kwanlin Dun First Nation. Currently, Wally works as a psychologist with the Bigstone Health Commission in Calling Lake, where his practice primarily focuses on complex trauma. He is also actively involved in his community, volunteering with the Calling Lake Fire Department and coaching soccer for the Alberta Indigenous Games. Additionally, he contributed to a national technical committee that developed "The National Standard for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students." Wally's commitment to education and youth development stems from his belief that thriving requires a balance of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. He is passionate about creating environments where students can grow, develop, and process trauma in healthy ways. His personal experiences as a student, combined with his professional background, inspired him to become a school board trustee. Wally is dedicated to ensuring that schools provide the optimal environment for youth to thrive, recognizing the importance of a collaborative community effort involving not just teachers but also family members and extended communities. Wally’s hobbies include hiking, backcountry camping, hunting, fishing, making hay, and enjoying family gatherings. A passionate sports enthusiast, he also loves playing sports and watching the Edmonton Oilers.

Aimee, a mother of two daughters, was born and raised in Berwick, Nova Scotia. She attended college in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and graduated with a diploma in travel and tourism management. Aimee moved to Alberta in 2006 and began working in the oil and gas industry. In 2012, she met her husband and purchased their forever home in Anzac. Aimee is a very active member of the Anzac community. In addition to working in the guest services department at the Anzac Recreation Centre, she volunteers for school events, community projects and sporting events. When asked about the most influential person in her life, Aimee said her grandmother played a large role in helping her believe she can achieve anything in life. As a school board trustee, Aimee wants to ensure her children and all Northland students achieve excellence in education.