The RCCDSB is pleased to announce Harold Jerrow (Jerry) Lavalley as the new Indigenous Trustee representing the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. 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.
Mr. Lavalley was born on March 1st, 1942 in Pikwàkanagàn, (formerly Golden Lake) Ontario. In 1959, he graduated grade 12 from the Eganville Roman Catholic Continuation High School. Following graduation, he received his Junior Accounting Diploma from Shaw's Business College in Toronto, and in 1962 he received his Architectural Drafting Diploma in Ottawa.
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 first wife, Delphine (now deceased). Together they had 8 children, which included 5 from Delphine's first marriage.
In 1998, he moved back home to Pikwàkanagàn and retired early due to his wife's health. However, in 1999, he began working again, this time at North American Sawmills in Killaloe until 2001.
From February 2001 to 2017 inclusive, Mr. Lavalley served as a councilor for the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. He was also the representative of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation at both the Renfrew County District School Board from 2013-2017 and the Renfrew County Family and Children Services Board from 2008-2017.
Previous to accepting this appointment, Mr. Lavalley had been fully retired since 2017. He currently lives in Pikwàkanagàn with his wife, Heather Bernard.
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."
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."
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. "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.
Mr. Lavalley speaks on his appointment as Trustee representing the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan: "We are pleased that we are now officially a member of the team of School Board trustees that will ensure our students will achieve the best education they require to succeed in life."
Pictures of the swearing-in ceremony can be found below.
For more information
499 Pembroke Street West
Pembroke Ontario
Canada K8A 5P1
rccdsb.ca
