I am a proud member of the Driftpile Cree Nation and a mother of 2 adult sons, 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. As a 2nd generation survivor of the Indian Residential School system, I have experienced the lasting impacts of intergenerational trauma that continue to affect so many First Nations children, families and communities. This lived experience has inspired my lifelong commitment to creating meaningful change and improving outcomes for children, youth and families.
With more than 40 years of leadership in the human services field, I have served in senior positions across all three levels of government–federal, provincial (Alberta), and First Nations Delegated First Nation Agencies. Throughout my career, I have led initiatives that secured increased funding and influenced policy changes, enabling First Nations to better support the needs of their children, youth and families.
I have successfully advocated for enhanced federal investments in Income Support, Family Violence Prevention and Child and Family Services programs. My guiding purpose has always been to strengthen families, uphold the well-being of children, and advance culturally grounded services that reflect the rights and aspirations of First Nations.
Concluding my career by leading the Driftpile Cree Nation Child and Family Services Law development and the creation of the Chief Kinosêw Awasak Mîkiwâhp has been the greatest honor and most rewarding achievement of my professional journey. The Nation’s Mihtatakaw Sîpiy Awasak Wiyasiwêwin–Driftpile River Children’s Law represents a profound milestone in reclaiming responsibility for the care and protection of its children and families. I believe our children, youth and families deserve every opportunity to grow up proud of who they are, rooted in their language, culture and traditions and supported to become healthy, resilient and strong members of Driftpile Cree Nation.
As a member of Driftpile Cree Nation, Joey is honoured to be coming home to serve on Chief Kinosew Awasak Mikiwahp Governing Board, helping to advance CKAM’s vision for children, families, and our Nation.
Exercising First Nation jurisdiction and the inherent right to care for our own has always been Joey’s passion and purpose. As a co-founder of Metis Children’s Services in 1985, Joey began her journey of exercising authority and control over our own child, family and community wellbeing. Following that, Joey worked as the Social Development Director for Dene Tha’ and those are memories she continues to cherish. Joey then served 27 years as a senior manager for Alberta Children’s Services, where she championed the voice of the child, the inherent and Treaty right to self-government, the importance of identity, and ensuring that young people know not only who they are, but also where they are from. Ensuring they always know that they have a Homefire to come home to.
Believing that education leads to independence, Joey graduated with a Social Work diploma from Grant McEwan College; Social Work degree from University of Calgary; and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Athabasca University.
Joey believes that some of life’s greatest teachings come from the natural world. Animals, such as Porkchop the porcupine, the deer, fox, and others have blessed Joey with many teachings that continue to guide her. Joey believes that we need to touch base with our hearts, minds and souls – to be able to cry when we hurt, and to be able to reach out for help when we need it, and to always remember that love grows best in family, and we are all family!
The CKAM Board operates under clear principles of governance, ensuring we act honestly, in good faith, and always in the best interests of our children. Our key roles include:
Our Board members are appointed by the Driftpile Cree Nation Indigenous Governing Body and serve with a duty of care and loyalty, bringing diverse backgrounds—from Elders and community members to specialists in social services, finance, and justice—to provide a well-rounded and understanding leadership team.
To report, confirm, or update information about a DCN child in your care:
Chief Kinosêw Awasak Mîkiwâhp (CKAM)
Phone: (825) 233-0027
Email: Laura Willier
