(North Vancouver, BC) – BC Métis Federation held their 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) this past weekend at the Jaycee House located in North Vancouver, BC. Approximately 185 delegates, partners, and friends of the BC Métis Federation attended throughout the AGM. Métis community leadership attended from throughout the province including Fort St. John, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Kamloops, Dawson Creek, Surrey, Vancouver, plus many other locations.

The AGM delegates reviewed the 2013-2014 Annual Report, enjoyed a key note presentation by Louis Riel advocate Mr. David Doyle, heard industry presentations, and most importantly selected the new BC Métis Federation board for the next two years in accordance with the bylaws.

The BC Métis Federation election was run by secret ballot and the delegates appointed Dr. Don Woodcock as the Chief Electoral Officer. The election provided an opportunity for candidates to have 5 minute speeches with many impassioned presentations. The election was very close as delegates had three ballots to cast; Vice President, Treasurer, and Directors at large.

BC Métis Federation President Henry stated; “This was a close and well fought election. In fact we had to have a second ballot as a result of some ties in the initial ballot for the Directors at large positions. What is clear is that the members made their choices and BC Métis Federation has a number of new board members. In fact we now have 9 new board members with 5 returning.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry added; “I welcome the new board members. The new members bring new skills and energy to the board to work with culture and our communities. There is a great balance of Métis cultural traditional knowledge, Métis community leaders, youth, elders, and almost an equal split between genders. However it goes without saying that I am also sad to lose some of our past board members but know that as a family we will work to keep everyone involved in future committees and of course in the communities. As such I especially want to thank outgoing Vice President Daryl Piper for his dedication and years of sacrifices. We know how important Daryl was and will be in the future in the landscape of Métis politics. I also thank outgoing Treasurer Tim St. Denis for the work over the years. Both Tim and Daryl were excellent to work with and cared deeply for our work at the BC Métis Federation.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry further added; “The AGM was our largest ever and the feeling of culture and community has never been stronger. The growth in support and progress is undeniable and our board will immediately work to maintain the momentum and work. The evening closed with Métis music from JJ Lavallee and new Vice President Rene Therrien plus many others. It was truly a Métis party. The new board met yesterday and we are already moving on a number of fronts including setting personal targets to increase membership, reviewing options for a major forum on the exoneration of Louis Riel November 16th, industry consultation meetings in October and November plus setting the date for our next meeting.”

BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded; “I thank the several volunteers and our staff members who ensured the AGM was well run and on time. I am humbled by the growing support and welcome all Métis people to join our positive and constructive future together to ensure our future generations are proud to be Métis.”

For more information about the new board members and information watch the BC Métis Federation website at www.bcmetis.com which will be fully updated with the new board this week.

Please note that newly elected Member at Large Baillie Redfern is missing from the group photo.

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-September-29th-2014-AGM-Success.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download the press release as a PDF.[/ilink]

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BC-Metis-Federation-Approved-AGM-Minutes-September-28th-2013.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download the approved AGM minutes from Sept. 28, 2013 as a PDF.[/ilink]

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BC-Metis-Federation-Draft-AGM-Minutes-September-27th-2014.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download the draft AGM minutes from Sept. 27, 2014 as a PDF.[/ilink]

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-AGM-Are-You-Canadian-Eh-David-Doyle.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download the “Are You Canadian Eh” by David Doyle as a PDF.[/ilink]

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/KMC-BC-Metis-Federation-September-27-2014.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download the KMC Trans Mountain Project Presentation as a PDF.[/ilink]

[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/September-27-2014-NGP-presentation-to-BCMF.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download the Northern Gateway Pipeline Presentation as a PDF.[/ilink]