Kelly LaRocca, Chief at Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

Welcome to Northern Lights: Canadian Women in Tech & Business, where we spotlight the incredible journeys of Canada's most trailblazing women--Kelly LaRocca is the Chief of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN), located near Port Perry, Ontario. A dedicated leader and advocate, she has served her community on Council since 2008 and was elected Chief in 2013. With an honours degree in philosophy from the University of Western Ontario and a law degree from the University of Windsor, Kelly also studied Aboriginal law at the University of Victoria after beginning her career as a civil litigation lawyer in Toronto. As Chief, she helped negotiate the commercial gaming and revenue share agreements for the Great Blue Heron Casino, ensuring long-term community resilience and the advancement of capital projects. Beyond her work with MSIFN, she serves as an elected Director of the National Lands Advisory Board for First Nations Lands Management, Vice-Chair of the Ogemawahj Tribal Council, and has held roles on the Aboriginal Justice Committee and Baagwating Community Association.