Dianne Lafond

Dianne Lafond is a proud Cree woman from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, where she was born, raised, and grounded in the values of family, community, and service. Her life has been shaped by the strength of her parents: her father, who served his Nation as Chief for 12 years and Headman for another 12 years, and her mother, who lovingly raised 11 children. These early lessons in leadership, humility, and responsibility became the foundation of Dianne's life's work.

A devoted mother to Joel, Jordan, Isaac, and Lacey, and a proud grandmother to Ember Rose, Dianne considers family to be her greatest source of inspiration and strength. While her professional accomplishments are significant, she measures success not by titles or recognition, but by the lives she has helped improve and the relationships she has built along the way.

With a background in Business and Health, Dianne has dedicated more than 35 years to advancing First Nations health and protecting Treaty rights. Her career has been driven by a deep belief that Indigenous people deserve equitable access to health care and that the promises made through Treaty must be respected and upheld for future generations.

Throughout her journey, Dianne has been guided by the wisdom and mentorship of the late Shirley Bighead and Darlene Arnault, whom she respectfully refers to as Treaty Warriors. Their teachings strengthened her commitment to advocacy and reinforced the importance of carrying forward the responsibilities entrusted to Indigenous leaders. She credits much of her growth and understanding to those who shared their knowledge and walked beside her.

Over the years, Dianne has served numerous First Nations communities in roles including Health Director, NIHB Navigator, and Director of Operations. Her commitment to community service has also led her to contribute to many boards, committees, and organizations, including the Parkland Health District, the NIHB National Board, the Muskeg Lake Cree Investment Management Corporation, and as a TLE Trustee. Most recently, she has contributed to important research initiatives through the University of Saskatchewan alongside Dr. Juan Nicholas.

A passionate advocate for Treaty rights, Dianne's work has focused particularly on the Medicine Chest clause and its continuing relevance to First Nations health and well-being. She believes that understanding and protecting Treaty promises is essential to achieving health equity and justice for Indigenous peoples.

Today, Dianne serves as the First Nations Health Ombudsperson for Saskatchewan First Nations, a role that reflects both her professional expertise and her lifelong commitment to helping others. Created in response to concerns regarding racism, mistreatment, and negligence within Saskatchewan's health care system, the Ombudsperson Office represents a significant step toward accountability and advocacy. Since opening on July 1, 2023, the office has supported hundreds of individuals and families seeking a voice within the health care system. Dianne views this work not as a personal achievement, but as a collective effort made possible through the vision, support, and leadership of Chiefs, the FSIN, and many dedicated partners who believed in creating a service by First Nations, for First Nations.

Above all, Dianne remains committed to serving her people with integrity, compassion, and humility. Her life's work stands as a testament to the power of advocacy, the importance of community, and the enduring responsibility to uplift future generations. She continues to walk forward guided by the teachings of her ancestors, the strength of her family, and a steadfast belief that meaningful change is achieved through service to others.