BOARD
Our elected board consists of amazing volunteers from our community who selflessly give their time, effort, and expertise to serve Lakeland Métis Nation. We are extremely grateful for their unwavering commitment as they work tirelessly for our success. These admirable individuals go above and beyond, embracing their responsibilities with enthusiasm. Their passion and dedication drive the positive impact we make. We appreciate their invaluable contributions, as their skills and knowledge shape our organization's future. Their selflessness and generosity in sharing their expertise are commendable, and we honor them as the pillars of our board. With their leadership, we are confident in navigating challenges and ensuring a prosperous future for the Lakeland Métis Nation.
President – Melina Power
Since 2011, Melina has been involved in Métis government. She was elected as President of the MNAA Lakeland Local Council 1909 (Métis Local 1909) in 2011. During that time, Melina has successfully navigated the Lakeland Métis through many changes that are both structural and political.
The citizens of the Lakeland Métis voted to form the Lakeland Métis Community Association in 2019, where Melina is one of the founders, current elected President, and CEO. The Lakeland Métis is also one of the founding board members of the Alberta Métis Federation (AMF), which was also formed in 2019. AMF and its board members (comprised of 7 Métis communities) are recognized as a new Métis governmental branch, with Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between the AMF and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) in 2021.
Throughout her involvement, Melina has successfully negotiated Traditional Land Use studies and participation agreement(s) with TransCanada pipelines Grand Rapids 2012-2017, Leige Lateral Loop (Thornbury) 2013-2015, NGTL’s System Expansion 2015. Numerous Traditional Land Use studies with various industry proponents such as: Access Pipelines Northeastern Expansion 2013, Inter-pipeline Polaris pipeline project 2013, BlackPearl BlackRod Project 2013, ATCO Alberta Powerline Project 2016, MEG Energy May River 2017, Strategic Planning support from Laracina Energy 2013. Traditional Land Use studies and Impact Assessments with Teck Resources Frontier Mine Project Phase 1 2015, Phase 2 Teck Impact Assessment 2019. Melina successfully negotiated an Impact Benefit Agreement with Lakeland Métis and Teck Resources in 2017. Melina continues to assert Lakeland Métis Aboriginal rights and self-determination by entering the Credible Assertion Process with the Alberta Government in 2022. Melina also presides over Lakeland Métis programs and services, regulatory efforts –Provincial and Federal, industry and government relations.
Melina enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her husband, children, and pets. She is a traditional harvester with a passion for fishing and gathering.
Since 2011, Melina has been involved in Métis government. She was elected as President of the MNAA Lakeland Local Council 1909 (Métis Local 1909) in 2011. During that time, Melina has successfully navigated the Lakeland Métis through many changes that are both structural and political.
The citizens of the Lakeland Métis voted to form the Lakeland Métis Community Association in 2019, where Melina is one of the founders, current elected President, and CEO. The Lakeland Métis is also one of the founding board members of the Alberta Métis Federation (AMF), which was also formed in 2019. AMF and its board members (comprised of 7 Métis communities) are recognized as a new Métis governmental branch, with Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between the AMF and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) in 2021.
Throughout her involvement, Melina has successfully negotiated Traditional Land Use studies and participation agreement(s) with TransCanada pipelines Grand Rapids 2012-2017, Leige Lateral Loop (Thornbury) 2013-2015, NGTL’s System Expansion 2015. Numerous Traditional Land Use studies with various industry proponents such as: Access Pipelines Northeastern Expansion 2013, Inter-pipeline Polaris pipeline project 2013, BlackPearl BlackRod Project 2013, ATCO Alberta Powerline Project 2016, MEG Energy May River 2017, Strategic Planning support from Laracina Energy 2013. Traditional Land Use studies and Impact Assessments with Teck Resources Frontier Mine Project Phase 1 2015, Phase 2 Teck Impact Assessment 2019. Melina successfully negotiated an Impact Benefit Agreement with Lakeland Métis and Teck Resources in 2017. Melina continues to assert Lakeland Métis Aboriginal rights and self-determination by entering the Credible Assertion Process with the Alberta Government in 2022. Melina also presides over Lakeland Métis programs and services, regulatory efforts –Provincial and Federal, industry and government relations.
Melina enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her husband, children, and pets. She is a traditional harvester with a passion for fishing and gathering.
Vice President – Tristan Elliott
Tristan Elliott serves as the Vice President of the Lakeland Métis Nation, a role he has held since 2022. Tristan has shown unwavering dedication and commitment to advancing Lakeland Métis youth programming. He has also played a key role in developing upcoming scholarships and a range of services aimed at improving the lives of our Métis citizens. With his visionary approach and leadership skills, Tristan continues to make invaluable contributions, leaving a lasting impact on the Lakeland Métis Nation.
Secretary-Treasurer – Chloe Scoville
Diane has a vast amount of experience in Métis politics, as she was the receptionist for the MNAA Region 1 Office, in 2010 was one of the founders and first President of the MNAA Lakeland Métis Local 1909, then became the interim Vice President of the MNAA Region 1 for a 2-year term, the elected Vice President for a 3-year term, and the elected President for a 4-year term. During her 9-year appointment at the MNAA Region 1, the board included 12 Métis Local President’s located within Treaty 6 & 8.
Diane presided over numerous programs, events, and negotiated Traditional Land Use Studies, and agreements with various proponents on the behalf of the MNAA Region 1.
Diane has been a board member of the Lakeland Métis since 2019, and the Secretary-Treasurer since 2022. Since 2018, Diane has been the representative for Lakeland Métis at WBEA (Wood Buffalo Environmental Association). Diane is integral in the restructuring of the Lakeland Métis, community engagement, and strategic planning.
Diane is a business owner, farmer; she enjoys spending time with her family, grandchildren, pets, and practicing the Métis way of life.
Board of Director – Ron Laderoute
Ron Laderoute is a dedicated Board of Director for the Lakeland Métis Nation, serving since 2022. He is a committed advocate for the Lakeland Métis Nation, with a strong focus on cultural preservation and development. An avid outdoors enthusiast and accomplished Métis harvester, Ron utilizes traditional knowledge and practices to promote sustainable resource use. His deep connection to his heritage and unwavering commitment to the Nation have been instrumental in advancing the organization's mission. Ron's expertise, leadership, and passion for Métis culture make him an invaluable asset, inspiring those around him and fostering a sense of unity and pride within the Lakeland Métis Nation.
Board of Director– Becky Bonner
Becky Bonner has been a dedicated member of the Lakeland Métis Nation Board of Directors since 2022. Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to the Lakeland Métis Nation are evident in her active involvement and contributions. Her diverse expertise and strong leadership skills have made her an invaluable asset to the organization, consistently driving initiatives that foster community development and support. Becky's passion for her heritage and commitment to the welfare of the Lakeland Métis Nation underscore her role within the board.