• Today, I am honored to present to you why I believe I am an excellent choice for leadership. My journey is a testament to my dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to my community.
• I hold a B.A. in Political Science and Native Studies from the University of Alberta. My strong Cree heritage and fluency in the Cree language are integral to my identity and leadership style.
• With over 25 years of executive-level experience, I have honed keen leadership skills, including negotiations and diplomacy. I have spent over 20 years collaborating and consulting for Indigenous rights across Alberta, BC, and Canada.
• My proven leadership is evident in my various roles. As the Chief of Kelly Lake First Nation since 2017, I have been responsible for overall governance and strategic planning. I also served as the Director of Events for the 2017 World Indigenous Nations Games, coordinating multiple international events. Additionally, as a Special Advisor to the Chiefs at the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, I have and continue to advise on legislation, policies, and strategies.
• I have facilitated successful mutual agreements and policies between First Nations and provincial/federal governments. My extensive senior management experience includes the implementation of complex infrastructure development initiatives.
• I have also led the development of a new cross-ministry business unit to enhance Indigenous consultation in resource-based ministries. This skill set will be critically important as wee embark on true Nation Building for Kelly Lake.
• I am able to effectively allocate resources, ensure financial stability, and make informed decisions that benefit our community. I have the demonstrated ability to manage budgets, reduce unnecessary expenses, and invest wisely, which demonstrates my strategic mindset and commitment to our long-term success.
• I have proven my ability to deliver results through creative, collaborative and innovative I am skilled in negotiating with stakeholder organizations and other Indigenous communities, achieving successful results. My competence in streamlining processes, implementing methodologies, and improving performance/efficiency sets me apart.
• Critically important is my deep understanding of Kelly Lake's Indigenous ways of life. As the leader of Kelly Lake First Nation, I have guided the development of a community strategic plan, community needs assessment, housing strategy, Consultation office, community company, and a cumulative effect study.
• My commitment to Kelly Lake is unwavering. My cultural knowledge, innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning skills are all necessary ingredients to moving our community forward in this complex contemporary world.
• I possess the ability to operate both on strategic and tactical levels.
• My priorities include maintaining our identity, language, custom, and traditions, protecting Indigenous rights, creating opportunities, improving housing and infrastructure, and strengthening community unity and community spirit.
• In conclusion, I believe my skills and qualifications speak for themselves and make me a worthy choice for leadership. I am visionary, I am committed, and I am ready to take up the challenge.
• Thank you.

Norman Calliou Accomplishments - 2020 to today

1. PAL courses for 162 Kelly Lake members
2. Training- office management
3. Training courses for KL members-
4. Housing first in 35 years
5. Kelly Lake consultation office
   1. Consultation protocol-Kelly Lake involvement
   2. Industry agreements
   3. Numerous industry partners
   4. In-house Monitoring program
6. Invited to participate at various discussion tables
7. Member of the Canfor Forestry Management Committee
8. Invited to participate in the South Peace Forestry Stewardship Plan 2026
9. Completion of a Terrestrial Cumulative Impacts Project.
10. Kelly Lake gatherings
    1. Kelly Lakes days
    2. Christmas concert
    3. Turkey shoot
    4. Kelly Lake Christmas hamper and gift cards
    5. Kelly Lake traditional campsite
    6. Elder’s committee meetings
    7. Trappers committee
    8. Community meetings
11. Grief and bereavement support
12. Sickness support
13. Emergency support
14. Kelly Lake administration office
15. Kelly Lake emergency management plan and training
16. Fire proofing Kelly Lake houses
17. Kelly Lake clean up and garbage removal
18. Elders housing repair support
19. Kelly Lake winter propane fill-up
20. Kelly Lake firewood for members
21. Kelly Lake lights competition
22. Kelly Lake bingos