Kelly LaRocca

Kelly LaRocca proudly serves as the Chief of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN), located near the town of Port Perry, Ontario. 

Kelly’s educational achievements include an honours degree in philosophy from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Law from the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. Kelly also spent time on the west coast, studying Aboriginal law at the University of Victoria after having practiced as a civil litigation lawyer in the City of Toronto. 

Upon returning to Scugog First Nation in 2008, Kelly built her capacity as a Council member and was later elected as Chief in 2013. Chief LaRocca and the MSIFN Council led the negotiation of the commercial gaming and revenue share agreements for the Great Blue Heron Casino, which is owned and operated on the territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These commercial agreements have enabled the community to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, and the First Nation looks forward to the completion of its many capital projects that are ongoing. 

Kelly proudly served as the Portfolio Chief Representative during the claim negotiations arising from the 1923 Williams Treaties, which came to a final settlement in 2018 and is one of the largest treaty settlements in Canadian claims history. Serving under the Chiefs of the Williams Treaties First Nations and the negotiation team was one of the highlights of Kelly’s tenure as Chief. 

Kelly and the MSIFN Council very proudly established the MSIFN Community Legacy Trust, which ensures that the Treaty Settlement Monies from the Williams Treaties Final Settlement will be put to the use and benefit of the MSIFN community and future generations. 

Like so many First Nations across Canada, MSIFN had been under a permanent Drinking Water Advisory. Chief LaRocca and the MSIFN Council and community are proud to have achieved clean drinking water for their community as of December 2021.  MSIFN now looks forward to the completion of its wastewater expansion project in Fall 2023.

Kelly serves as an elected Director for the National Lands Advisory Board for First Nations Lands Management, and as the Chair for the Ogemawahj Tribal Council. Kelly is a Director of the Shorefast Board for Fogo Island and is an accomplished public speaker. Kelly couldn’t be happier than to serve as a Trustee for The Hospital for Sick Children in her newly appointed role.

Kelly is elated that she had her daughter Ruby and her son Eli during her tenure as Chief. Kelly lives with her amazingly supportive partner Jonathan and their two children in Scugog First Nation. It continues to be Kelly’s honour and privilege to serve her people. 

Kelly joined the SickKids Board of Trustees in 2023.