(Vancouver, BC) The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) Board of Directors continues work to establish 14 members in accordance with the BCMF Bylaws. This past week the board approved their newest board member from Kamloops. Wendy Chernivchan is a proud Métis person who is well known and respected in the Métis community in Kamloops and throughout BC. She has worked for the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and has been an active member of her community (Two Rivers Métis Society) for years.
Newly appointed BCMF Board Member Wendy Chernivchan stated; “I am extremely excited about joining the dedicated Board Directors and staff that are responsible for creating the BC Métis Federation (BCMF). I am proud to be part of an organization that has been built on the founding principles of our rich culture which embraces inclusion of the Métis people in our communities. My contribution as a newly appointed board member will be shaped by the same values of trust, honesty, and integrity that now guide the work of BCMF. I offer extensive knowledge of Métis genealogy, history, and culture that I will draw on to support BCMF and the Métis people in British Columbia, with a focus in Kamloops and area.”
BCMF President Keith Henry stated; “BCMF board members continue the important work of establishing credible Métis governance and having Wendy join the team should be another strong signal to all Métis people that BCMF is supported throughout BC. Wendy was involved with the MNBC but has decided that she cannot support MNBC any further for many of the reasons that BCMF shares. This includes the lack of support for Métis people and their community in Kamloops which was a major determinate in her decision to join the BCMF.”
BCMF President Henry added; “The decision by the BCMF Board to appoint Wendy further adds strong leadership. Our board can accommodate 14 members and today we now have 13. We deliberately left 4 board positions vacant after we incorporated in June 2011 to allow us time to identify Métis leaders from other parts of BC and ensure BCMF had a provincially based board. Since June our board has now added representation from North East, Lower Mainland, and the Thompson areas. The BCMF has had several Métis people request consideration and further discussions by the board will determine the final vacant position. The BCMF board will fill the final board position shortly and continue to build membership and Métis community support. Our intention is to hold our first Annual General Meeting in June 2012 where official board elections will be held for those who carry a BCMF membership card. ”
BCMF President Henry concluded; “On behalf of the BCMF Board and volunteer staff we are so pleased that Wendy has committed to working with the BCMF to build a better future for our culture, community and families.”
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry
President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-683-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
Downloads:
[ilink url=”/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-September-6th-2011-Wendy-Announcement.pdf” style=”download”]Click here to download this press release in PDF format.[/ilink]
