Politics & Advocacy

As the Region 2 Women’s Representative for Métis Women British Columbia for the last 3 years, it has been a privilege to offer support to the women in the BC Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.

As an advocate for pediatric solid organ transplant, I have used my skills and lived experience to enhance services, policy and support families.

Métis Women British Columbia

During my time on the MWBC council, I have been thankful to work with my colleagues and grateful for the good work done by my predecessors in developing the MWBC strategic plan.

“As the governance arm representing the women of Metis Nation British Columbia, MWBC has a critical role to play in understanding, advocating for and addressing the needs of Métis women.”

- Métis Women British Columbia Strategic Plan: 2020- 2026

With the strategic plan outlining the guiding principles: gathering, learning, support & engagement; and the goals and actions of: communication, governance, culture & advocacy; the time is long overdue to bring out the proper capacity to support our women and women’s representatives in community to carry out this plan in collaboration with the MNBC board and staff.

Moreover, in Tannishi Kiiya Miiyayow Métis Saantii Pi Miyooayaan Didaan BC - Métis Public Health Surveillance Program - Baseline Report, 2021, our Métis women and girls were reported to be below our Métis men, the mainstream population and our First Nations kin in terms of health outcomes. The issues that inform the determinants of health, therefore, are of upmost importance to the well-being of Métis women and girls and ultimately the health of the Nation.

With these narratives informing the needed work, if elected as Women’s Chair of MWBC, the following are the priorities needed:

  • Advocacy

  • Interfacing with all MNBC ministries as women’s issues are intersectional

  • Building capacity in community as women’s needs are best assessed at the community level

  • Facilitate online forums to develop relationship building and healing between the women from different regions of the province to better understand our regional issues and needs

  • Facilitate cultural protocols and teachings

  • Focus on MMIWG2S and gender based violence as an immediate priority

  • Create opportunities for women to engage more frequently in governance and education

  • Work with the 2S committee as an ally on common goals

  • Elevate and advocate for the health needs of Métis women and girls as outlined in Taanishi Kiiya

  • Find opportunities for women to learn grant writing & governance opportunities within the Nation

  • Properly resource women’s representatives

  • Build relationships with our women’s groups across the homeland

  • Facilitate conversation and action around climate change and how it adversely affects women

Community Involvements and Advocacy

During my time as the Region 2 Women’s representative and a Vancouver Sea to Sky Métis Association Board member, I have been inspired by my mentor Dr. Howard Adams to advocate for our Métis community. Having raised 4 children, I am driven every day to create better circumstances for my family & the future generations of Métis kin. I have accomplished or participated in the following:

  • Three regional women’s gatherings

  • Supporting individual women in community

  • Online meetings with community women’s representatives

  • Contributed to the LFMO Policy Forum - November 2022

  • Consulted with MWBC on gender based violence

  • Attended the 2023 MNC Governing Assembly as the Vice-Chair of MNBC

  • Part of the MNBC Métis Nation Governing Assembly Governance Committee

  • Patient partner with Fraser Health - Métis Health, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

  • MNBC representative on the Fraser Health Indigenous Feedback & Accountability committee

  • Community building for the new Vancouver Sea to Sky Métis Association

  • Planning and hosting Vancouver’s first Louis Riel Day celebration

  • Serve on the Vancouver School Board Indigenous Advisory Committee

Indigenous Women in Community Leadership

  • Graduate of the 2022 IWCL cohort through the Coady Institute at St. Francis Xavier Univerty

  • 2024 IWCL Mentor

As a health advocate, I have:

  • Supported families of children with congenital heart disease & those requiring heart transplants

  • Advocated for and achieved the creation of the Multi-Organ Transplant Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital

  • Advocated for and achieved the Heart Transplant Program at BC Children’s Hospital

  • Have contributed to research on congenital heart disease paediatric heart transplant through various studies

  • Have advocated for disability rights for those with chronic health issues

  • Serve on the Indigenous Feedback and Accountability Committee for Fraser Health Authority

Some of the people and experiences that have informed my involvements. From left to right: Dr. Howard Adams, mentor, friend and fellow Vancouver Métis Association board member; The Indigenous Women in Community Leadership 2022 cohort; At the Métis Rendezvous with community leaders VSSMA board member Sabie Thompson & Region 7 Director Paulette Flamond; Métis Matriarchs from BC at the LFMO Policy Forum.