Community Advisory Board

Community Advisory Board (CAB)

CAB is the Community Advisory Board, consisting of volunteers from different sectors of Kahnawà:ke, put together for community members to have representation within KSDPP and its functions. CAB members meet monthly to oversee the program, influence decision making, give feedback and ensure needs of the community are addressed.

Main tasks of the CAB have included:
- The creation of the Vision Statement and the Code of Research Ethics, which describe how the CAB, community researchers and academic researchers could work with one another in a respectful manner.
- Review and discussion of all aspects of KSDPP, including:

All proposed intervention activities
All new research proposals for cultural content and community relevance
All draft conference presentations and posters
Research articles for accuracy
Any need to add historical background and appropriate wording before external dissemination.

Amelia Tekwahtonti McGregor

Amelia Tekwahtonti McGregor, a revered community leader and knowledge holder, was one of the founding members of CAB in 1994. She provides vital contributions to KSDPP for Indigenous research methodology, health promotion and community education. In addition, she has nurtured everyone including the many students. For her inspiring leadership, McGill University awarded her an Honorary Doctor of Science in 2023.

Dianne Labelle
CAB Treasurer

Diane Labelle (no pronouns) has 40+ years of experience in the world of education as a teacher, consultant, administrator and presenter. Diane is the Regional Pedagogical Counselor for the First Nations Adult Education School Council and works at decolonizing the curriculum in order to better serve the Indigenous learners of the many nations in the region. She has campaigned for the rights of Two-Spirit people since 1976, as a specialist and researcher, and is often invited to speak on the issue of gender and colonialism.

Wahsontiio Montour

Kaylia Marquis
CAB Chairperson

With over a decade of experience in community advisory, leadership, and governance roles, Kaylia supports organizational development and leads projects that align foundational processes and health research ethics with community values.

Judi Jacobs
CAB Secretary

Kyla Jacobs

Kyla Jacobs is the Team Leader of the Primary Prevention Department at KSCS. With 11 years of experience as a teacher and 3 years as a school administrator, she brings a strong educational background and a deep understanding of school and community environments. Kyla is passionate about the continuous promotion of healthy lifestyles and recognizes the meaningful impact prevention and education can have on youth and community members.

Wahéhshon Whitebean

Wahéhshon is the Education Research Consultant and Ethics Chair at the Kahnawà:ke Education Center. She was appointed to the Research Team in 2021, and then to CAB in 2022. She is a PhD candidate in Educational Studies at McGill University in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education. Wahéhshon has extensive experience in community work, leadership, and language/culture reclamation. The primary focus of her work and research is on language/culture revitalization, Indigenous education, and Onkwehón:we pathways to health and well-being.

Chantal Haddad

Chantal is a retired professional Dietitian/Nutritionist of the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre and has been a CAB member since the beginning of KSDPP in 1994. Her contribution to healthy eating and nutrition education is immeasurable. She continues her service to the community in her current role of CAB member, providing support and insights in the area of nutrition.