Chief Delbert Wapass (Kihiw Ka-Pim-oo-teht) is from the Thunderchild Cree Nation within Treaty 6 Territory. His strong Cree cultural background, along with his fluency in the Cree language, and his strong visionary, strategic and leadership skills and work ethics provide him with the balance and understanding to work with Elders, his community, with leadership, with youth, as well as corporate partners, institutions, First Nations communities and different levels of government. He completed a Master’s in Education (2010) from the University of Saskatchewan. Delbert was recently elected to his fourth 4-year term as Chief of his community and has worked with Headwater Learning as an Indigenous Advisor for over three years. His passion continues to be in advancing education at the First Nations level so that First Nations communities and First Nations people can fully realize “Indian Control of Indian Education.” Delbert has extensive experience in the field of education, within the classroom as a classroom teacher, as a school administrator, in policy development and as an advocate at the regional and national levels.
As Chief of Thunderchild First Nation, Delbert has been successful in sustaining financial accountability and increased revenue for his community; he negotiated multi-year education and health processes and agreement; the creation of Thunderchild Family Services process; and promoted youth sports excellence; he negotiated revenue for a Community Wellness Centre/Field House and Ice arena; increased housing; they became a major investor in Decibel Cannibis Inc; and effective commercial industries, farming, oil and gas, and land development.