Darrell Willier Retires

Darrell moved to Medicine Hat from the Grande Prairie area and joined MHPSD in August 2018 in the role of First Nations, Métis & Inuit Coordinator. During Darrell’s time with the Division, he created the High Profile Guest Speakers Program. You may remember presentations from well-known Indigenous guest speakers including, Jed Roberts and J.R. LaRose (retired CFL Grey Cup champions), actor Lorne Cardinal (best known for his role on Corner Gas), Emma Morrison (former Miss World Canada) and coming this June Jason Chamakese (Master’s of Cree linguistics and flute player). 

Darrell takes great pride in the work he has put into the development of Kiskihkeyimowin. Celebrating its fourth year, over 800 students, staff and volunteers learn in traditional teepee structures, through impactful learning experiences that are rooted in the FNMI culture.  

Among Darrell’s favourite accomplishments during his time with MHPSD has been seeing the increase of First Nations, Métis & Inuit high school graduates increase by 85%. This is roughly double the average of First Nations, Metis & Inuit graduates in the province. Additionally, the Division has seen a huge growth in the declaration of First Nations, Métis & Inuit students, which has increased from 318 students in 2018 to 670 students today. Darrell and his team have worked hard to add learning opportunities, with now 43 different class presentations. 

We are grateful for Darrell’s efforts to support First Nations, Métis & Inuit students within the Division, and we wish him well in this next chapter. Darrell and his wife will be moving to Ponoka to be closer to family and are looking forward to spending more time with their grandchildren.