Shelagh Hagemann Appointed Director of Indigenous Education and Reconciliation
PONOKA — The Education Services Team with Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shelagh Hagemann as the new Director of Indigenous Education and Reconciliation, beginning in August 2025.
Hagemann is currently an Assistant Principal at Ponoka Elementary School and previously served as WCPS First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Success Coordinator from 2014 to 2021. Her career in education spans over three decades, with a long-standing dedication to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments.
“Shelagh brings both a deep personal commitment and a wealth of experience to this vital role,” said Kevin Newman, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services. “Her long-standing relationships with Indigenous communities, combined with her leadership and instructional expertise, make her exceptionally well-suited to guide our division forward in truth, reconciliation, and culturally responsive education.”
Hagemann began her teaching career in 1992 at Percy Baxter Middle School in Whitecourt, within the Northern Gateway School Division. She joined WCPS in 2003 at Twin Oaks, teaching Grades 5 to 9, and moved to Ponoka Outreach School the following year. There, she served as Assistant Principal from 2011 to 2014 before taking on the division-wide role supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit student success. Her leadership has been central in advancing professional learning, community engagement, and student supports rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to step into the role,” said Hagemann. “I look forward to continuing the important work alongside the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and colleagues.”
Hagemann holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta (1992) and a Master of Science in Education from Wilkes University (2013). Her expertise, commitment, and vision will help guide WCPS in ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and equity.