Darlene Savard

Darlene Savard CEO & Executive Governance Advisor · Savco Logistics & Construction Corp. · 20+ years First Nations governance. Structure. Strategy. Stability.

Strong Nations Need Strong AdministrationThroughout my years in administrative leadership, I have seen firsthand that a ...
08/13/2026

Strong Nations Need Strong Administration

Throughout my years in administrative leadership, I have seen firsthand that a strong administration is the foundation of effective leadership and meaningful progress.

When an administration functions well, members receive the programs, services and support they depend on. When it does not, it is ultimately the people who feel the impact through delayed services, unmet needs and missed opportunities.

Our people often face challenges that are not always visible. They need an administration that is responsive, compassionate and committed to serving every member to the best of its ability.

A strong administration also helps build confidence in the Nation’s leadership. When members see that their needs are being heard, priorities are moving forward and services are being delivered effectively, they are more likely to feel confident in the overall direction of their Nation. This creates stability and continuity, allowing leadership to build on its progress and pursue longer-term goals.

Building this kind of administration means investing in the people who do the work. Employees need clear direction, respectful leadership, appropriate resources and the space to carry out their responsibilities. When administrative teams feel trusted, supported and valued, they are better equipped to deliver excellent programs and services.

A good administration also supports the vision and priorities of Chief and Council. It turns leadership decisions into action, maintains accountability and helps move the Nation’s goals forward.

Leadership sets the direction. Administration carries the work forward. When both work together with respect, purpose and accountability, the entire Nation benefits.

Strong administration is not simply about managing an organization it is about serving the people, strengthening confidence and helping the Nation grow.

July was a full month.The AFN Assembly. Chiefs drawing a line on major projects. Wildfires devastating First Nations com...
07/31/2026

July was a full month.

The AFN Assembly. Chiefs drawing a line on major projects. Wildfires devastating First Nations communities. A National Chief sitting with premiers in PEI. And Treaty 8 taking an important step by affirming its sovereignty through the adoption of the name Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations. A great deal of work went into that moment, and it deserves recognition.

History continues to be made while important battles continue to be fought.

I have been watching. I have been writing. And I have been reflecting on what it truly means to lead when so much is at stake.

And here is what I keep coming back to.

Leadership is about service.

Across our Nations, leaders continue to carry the responsibility of protecting our Treaty rights, strengthening our communities, and creating a better future for the generations that follow. It is not easy work, but it is important work.

Just as important are our people. Real change happens when we stand together, stay informed, encourage one another, and move forward with a shared vision for our Nations.

That is the kind of leadership I believe in.

Leadership guided by humility. Courage. Respect. Unity. And above all, love.

As we head into August, I look forward to continuing these conversations and highlighting the people who are making a difference across our Nations every day.

Lead with Love. 🌹

Darlene Laboucan

07/31/2026

Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations Adopts New Name in Response to Unprecedented Threats to Treaty

𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 | 𝐀𝐅𝐍 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔This week, over 600 First Nations chiefs gathered in Ottawa for the A...
07/16/2026

𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 | 𝐀𝐅𝐍 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

This week, over 600 First Nations chiefs gathered in Ottawa for the Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly. Three days. Dozens of resolutions. Decisions that will shape national Indigenous policy for years to come.

I have been following the discussions closely. And there is a great deal our people need to know.

The AFN does not govern First Nations. It is a national advocacy body that takes direction from chiefs. Chiefs debate and vote on resolutions that shape the organization's national advocacy, influencing federal funding priorities, legislation and policy development. Participation is not optional for those who care about the future of their Nation.

What was decided this week matters.

Chiefs unanimously resolved to oppose the Carney government's proposed reforms aimed at streamlining major project approvals, if those reforms weaken environmental protections or sidestep Indigenous rights. National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak made clear that nothing is off the table to ensure First Nations rights are protected.

Concerns were also raised about the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act, Bill C-37, including a lack of commitment to the full achievement of the human right to water, weakened co-development provisions, and reliance on best efforts language. Our people have waited long enough for clean water. Best efforts is not a standard we should accept.

A First Ministers meeting between the Prime Minister, premiers and First Nations chiefs has been confirmed for October. National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak called it hard to secure and said it must not be the last of its kind. First Nations at the table with the Prime Minister and every premier. That is significant. And it must become the norm, not the exception.

Child welfare, Indian Act reform, Treaty rights and economic development were all on the table this week. All of it affecting our communities directly.

As leaders, our responsibility is not simply to support or oppose. It is to ask the right questions.

Does this strengthen the authority of our Nation?
Does it protect our Treaty and inherent rights?
Does it respect the unique priorities of each First Nation?
What are the long-term impacts for future generations?
Will this create opportunities or unintended consequences?

Good governance requires informed leadership. It requires showing up, listening carefully and ensuring every decision is made with our people in mind.

Whether there is agreement or disagreement, participation matters. Decisions made this week in Ottawa will shape opportunities for generations to come.

That is exactly why governance matters. And why I will keep watching.

Darlene Laboucan
CEO & Executive Governance Advisor, Savco Logistics & Construction Corp.

Watch the full proceedings: cpac.ca

A few weeks ago, I shared that I had been invited to be part of a powerful Netflix documentary inspired by Fearless Livi...
06/16/2026

A few weeks ago, I shared that I had been invited to be part of a powerful Netflix documentary inspired by Fearless Living, the book by Dr. Tristina Anderson a story about resilience, healing, and women leading with authenticity.

Well, the cameras rolled.

And sitting in that chair, I felt something shift in me.

I did not run for Chief and walk away with a title. But I walked away with something else a voice. A story. A purpose that did not end on election night.

This is not the end of my story.

This is the beginning of a new chapter.

Over the past few weeks, I have reflected deeply on the campaign, the people who stood beside me, the lessons I almost missed, and what I truly want to dedicate my life to.

And here is what I know for certain:

I am meant to be a voice.

For First Nations women.
For our rights.
For our protection.
For our healing.
For our power.

Not from behind a desk with a title, but from wherever I am standing speaking truth, creating change, and lifting other women as I go.

This documentary is the first step.

There will be more.

My story fully and honestly is coming. And I am asking you to walk this next chapter with me, just as you walked the last one.

Fearless Living premieres this September 19th in Calgary.

More details coming soon.

This is just the beginning.

With love, always. Hiy hiy. ❤️

Address

Box 237
Hythe, AB
T0A0A0

Telephone

(780)8971011

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