chief

my story

Chief Wallace Fox

Chief Fox was first elected into Council at the age of 21 in 1983. At the age of 25 he made history in Canada to be the youngest Chief ever to be elected into office. Over the years being involved in politics and serving his Community, Chief Fox has always maintained his respect and admiration of the Community elders. The teachings he has gain from the elders has not only rooted him in his culture but helped him gain his dignity as a First Nations Leader. The attributes of being resourceful and forward thinking has not only made him to be a pillar in Onion Lake but also created alliances with other First Nations Leaders that respect and seek his Leadership abilities. The year’s he’s been in Leadership as the Chief of Onion Lake Cree Nation contributes to his innovative leadership, under the guidance of community Elders.

Chief Fox was instrumental in key community developments such as his community’s Indian Control of Education, Treaty Land Entitlement acquisition to reserve status, establishing the first owned and operating Natural Gas Utility, negotiated a first of its kind minerals “Royalty-benefit Agreement” for Onion Lake Cree Nation, completed financing two sets of community Capital Projects for Roads, Housing and infrastructure worth 23 million and 26 Million dollars in the past three years and provided political leadership for the nation’s growth in business at the local, domestic and international levels . His visits to the US and China and other leading country’s has prompt potential investment partners seeking to do business with Onion Lake Cree Nation. Talks and negotiations are ongoing for some major real estate commercial development in Onion Lake lands.  His visit this year to the United Nations in Switzerland has brought on renewed vigor to fight for “First Nations Rights” through the “United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
 

The forward thinking of Chief Fox has enabled him to promote and create balance between the cultural identity of Onion Lake Cree Nation and the corporate world.    
Chief Fox’s vision for community sustainable development and economic self reliance has been strongly influenced by his commitment to work in a team-collaboration approach with his council, the Elders, people, and senior management in being well informed, for strategic and timely decision-making.
The ‘Shared innovative leadership strategy’ is kept simple and that Governance/Government functions and organization plays a significant and supportive key role for the nation’s Business Developments, yet they are operating separately and linked with the key decision-making processes.
Chief Fox and his council proudly continue to serve the 5,000 plus Membership.