The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation make a second trustee appointment this month. Harold Jerrow Lavalley was appointed the New Indigenous Trustee to the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board June 2nd.
On June 1st, members of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and Renfrew County Catholic District School Board staff bore witness in support of Mr. Lavalley as he was officially sworn in as a Board Trustee.
Bob Schreader, RCCDSB Chair, states: “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Lavalley to the RCCDSB Board of Trustees. It’s been two and a half years since we have had an Indigenous representative on our board and we are honoured to have Jerry join us and bring his unique perspective and expertise to our team. His presence on the Board continues the process of reconciliation and creating a more inclusive and diverse educational environment for all students.”
Mr. Lavalley was born on March 1st, 1942 in Pikwàkanagàn, Ontario. His career as a Mechanical Draftsman has taken him to many places, including Detroit, Toronto, Windsor, and Chicago. He lived and worked in Chicago from 1971-1977 and it was here that he met his late first wife, Delphine.
Chief Greg Sarazin remarks: “The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Chief and Council place our full confidence in Harold Jerrow Lavalley as he begins his new role representing our interests at the RCCDSB helping our students to achieve their full potential.”
Previous to accepting this appointment, Mr. Lavalley had been fully retired since 2017. He currently lives in Pikwàkanagàn with his wife, Heather Bernard.
“Mr. Lavalley will be a great addition to our Board of Trustees. We know he will bring incredible expertise to his new role that will enrich our Board and our relationship with the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan” says Mark Searson, Director of Education.
The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board looks forward to welcoming Mr. Lavalley to the Board of Trustees as a representative of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.
(Written by Luke Notman)