BOARD
Our elected board consists of amazing volunteers from our community who selflessly give their time, effort, and expertise to serve Lakeland Métis. 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 Lakeland Métis and our community.
President – Melina Power
Melina Power holds the esteemed position of President within the Lakeland Métis, where she has demonstrated her exceptional leadership abilities and dedication to the community. Melina's academic accomplishments underscore her commitment to her role, as she holds a Diploma in Community Social Work from Portage College, showcasing her expertise in social and community-related matters. Furthermore, she is in her 3rd year of a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree at Athabasca University, which reflects her strong educational background and her commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. Melina's pursuit of excellence is exemplified by her current enrollment in the Power Engineering program at Northern Lakes College, demonstrating her versatility and willingness to expand her skillset into technical domains. Over the span of more than a decade, commencing in 2011, Melina has consistently been at the forefront of the Lakeland Métis's operations. Her multifaceted role encompasses the strategic management of Lakeland Métis programs and services, where she has exhibited her capacity to bring about positive change and ensure the welfare of the Métis community. Beyond this, Melina has been a driving force behind various regulatory initiatives, forging valuable collaborations within industries, and nurturing critical government relations that have proven pivotal in advancing the organization's mission and influence. Melina's tenure as President has been marked by unwavering dedication, expertise, and a profound commitment to the betterment of the Lakeland Métis community, making her an invaluable asset. Her exceptional leadership and continuous contributions serve as a testament to her passion for the Métis heritage and its continued prosperity.
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, an exemplary individual, proudly serves as the esteemed Vice President of the Lakeland Métis. Having assumed this esteemed position since 2022, Tristan has exhibited unwavering dedication and unparalleled commitment towards the advancement and betterment of Lakeland Métis youth programming. Furthermore, Tristan has actively played an instrumental role in the formulation, development, and enhancement of forthcoming scholarships and a wide array of exceptional services that are set to revolutionize the lives of the Métis community. With his visionary approach and remarkable leadership skills, Tristan continues to make invaluable contributions, leaving an indelible mark on the Lakeland Métis organization and the entire community at large.
Secretary-Treasurer – Diane 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 and passionate individual who currently holds the esteemed position of a Board of Director for the Lakeland Métis. With his exceptional skills and expertise, he has been actively providing invaluable guidance and support to the organization since the year 2022. Born and raised in the province of Manitoba, Ron possesses a deep-rooted connection to his homeland and all its wonders. However, in pursuit of new opportunities and a better future for his beloved family, he made the life-changing decision to relocate to the stunning province of Alberta in the year 1991. Since then, Ron has fully embraced the awe-inspiring beauty of Alberta's natural landscapes, becoming an ardent outdoors enthusiast. His profound appreciation for the environment and his Métis heritage has led Ron to become an accomplished Métis harvester, skillfully utilizing traditional knowledge and practices to sustainably harvest resources. Ron's unwavering commitment to his community, coupled with his unwavering passion for the outdoors, make him an exceptional asset to the Lakeland Métis and a true inspiration to those around him.
Board of Director– Becky Bonner
Becky Bonner has been a dedicated member of the Lakeland Métis Board of Directors since 2022. Born in Manitoba and later moving to Alberta with her family during her childhood, she's passionate about her community and enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. Becky also finds inspiration in nature. She's an avid reader and takes pleasure in baking, creating delicious treats that bring happiness to those who taste them. Her culinary skills extend to preparing nourishing meals that foster togetherness among loved ones. In summary, Becky's multifaceted interests reflect her dedication to her community, love for family, appreciation of nature, passion for literature, and talent in culinary arts. Her role within the Lakeland Métis community is invaluable.