Richard Ironquil

PHOTO — Richard, ribbon shirt headshot

My name is Richard Ironquil, and I am proud to call Peepeekisis Cree Nation home.

At the heart of who I am is my family and my connection to our community. I am a husband, a father and a proud mushom to eight grandchildren. My family has taught me the importance of responsibility, hard work, tradition and thinking about what kind of community we are leaving for the next generation.

I am also an avid hunter, fisherman and golf enthusiast. Being outdoors and spending time with family and friends are important parts of my life. Hunting and fishing keep me connected to the land and to traditions that have been passed down through generations. Golf has also given me another way to build friendships, enjoy time with others and stay active.

PHOTO — Richard on the land, or with his family

My leadership experience

Before becoming an insurance broker, I had the privilege of serving our Nation as an elected Headman for eight years.

That experience gave me firsthand knowledge of elected leadership and the responsibilities that come with representing our people. It taught me the importance of listening to members, working with others, making difficult decisions and being accountable for those decisions.

Following my time as an elected Headman, I built my career as an insurance broker serving Peepeekisis Cree Nation. My career has provided me with experience in business, planning, risk management, financial protection and working with individuals, families, organizations and businesses.

These experiences have shaped the way I believe leadership should work.

Leadership should be about service. It should be about listening, planning, accountability and following through.

Why I am stepping forward

I believe our Nation has tremendous potential.

We have strong families, talented people, a rich culture and opportunities that can create a better future for our children and grandchildren.

I believe our members should have a meaningful voice in determining the direction of our Nation.

One of my priorities is to establish a Membership Conference for our band members, creating an opportunity for members to come together, identify our most important priorities and help develop a clear four year strategic plan.

That plan should give our Nation direction and provide our members with regular updates on what has been accomplished, what remains to be done and where we are going.

PHOTO — Richard with members, or at a community gathering

My vision for our Nation

My vision includes strengthening our Nation through:

  • Economic development and employment opportunities
  • Housing and infrastructure
  • Business development and partnerships
  • Food self sufficiency and food security
  • Youth and Elder initiatives
  • Education and training
  • Culture, language and traditional activities
  • Community wellness
  • Long term financial sustainability

But these priorities should not simply come from leadership. They should be developed with our members.

What I bring

After eight years as an elected Headman and years of working as an insurance broker, I understand that leadership comes with responsibility.

As a husband, father and grandfather, I also understand that the decisions we make today will affect our families for generations.

I am prepared to bring my experience, my commitment and my love for our community forward in service to our Nation.

Our future deserves a plan. Our people deserve a voice. Our families deserve opportunity. And our Nation deserves leadership that follows through.