OUR TEAM

President

My name is Alicia Fernando and I am humbled to be returning to the board as President.

I am from Smithers B.C. in Wet’suwet’en. Territory and work as a fish biologist with the Gitksan First Nations out of Anspayaxw (Kispiox). I have previously volunteered as a regional women’s and youth representative. Learning and connecting with other Metis people, especially through our arts and land practices has been life changing for me. I want others to have that opportunity and be proud of our identity.

Smithers BC - Unceded territory of the Wet'suwet'en

MNBC Region 6 Representative

Susie Hooper started her journey with Métis Nation British Columbia in 2008 when she was elected as the Northwest Regional Women’s Representative. Hooper ran and was elected as the Regional Director for Region 6 Northwest, serving from 2012-2020, and was re-appointed to serve the Northwest Region in MNBC’s 2020 election. Hooper believes Métis Nation has a bright future and will continue to grow and advance forward with hard work, dedication, collaboration and communication. Hooper now serves as Minister of Environmental Protection, Minister of Citizenship and Minister of Community Services.

Hooper is eager to be learning more about Métis heritage and culture. She feels honoured to be a mother, sister, aunty, daughter and grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren. Hooper recently retired from the Bulkley Valley School District where she worked with at-risk youth in an alternate school setting for the last 31 years. Now that she is retired, Hooper is looking forward to dedicating even more time to her work with Métis Nation B.C.

Smithers BC – Unceded territory of the Wet’suwet’en

Secretary Treasurer

My name is Dawn McConnell, I am your treasurer and I've been on the Tri-River board since Oct 22. I've lived in Smithers since June 2018 and I've been learning about, embracing and living my Metis culture for about the same amount of time.

I've been learning Michif since 2023 and I can proudly say that in the last year I've made my own ribbon skirt, moccasins and drum.

I'm excited to continue supporting cultural crafts and gatherings for our community and I'm hoping to bring some physical activities to the community as well. I'm looking forward to learning many beautiful things as I continue my time on this board and expand my knowledge and experiences.

If you've got ideas for events and have the skills to facilitate them or know someone who does, please reach out - I'd love to chat and organize something.

Finally, I'm also the MNGA Governance Committee member for Region 6. The MNGA Governance Committee reviews the governance and decision-making structures within MNBC and the MNGA, to ensure that these structures operate efficiently and reflect the collective will of MNBC Citizens in their decisions and actions.

I'm grateful to serve our community and our region

Smithers BC – Unceded territory of the Wet'suwet'en

Interim Director

Allo,

Lorraine Hnidan- Kendall, nee Smith, in St-Hyacinthe, Quebec; my family is from the Red River, Manitoba.

Migrated west, living on unceded Gitxsan land, in Hazelton supported in reciprocity by the people of the Skeena river & Stekyoden mountain. I have been gifted 3 sons; now 2 grandchildren & hope to hand over a healing environment .

Community creativity is always learning, sharing skills to sustain healthy relationships: we thrive !

Maarsi metis ancestry in all our relations, merci.

Hazelton BC – Unceded territory of the Gitxsan

Media Operations

Hey there, I'm Joshua Seinen, a media professional with over 15 years in the field, both as an independent and agency collaborator. I recently returned to Northern BC, settling between Houston and Smithers in the Bulkley-Nechako Regional District since 2022.

Outside of work, I'm focused on sustainable living and community involvement. Recently, I've been reconnecting with my Métis heritage, diving into our history and becoming more active in our local community.

Houston BC – Unceded territory of the Wet'suwet'en

Director

Smithers BC – Unceded territory of the Wet'suwet'en

Interim Director

Director

Burns Lake BC – Unceded traditional territories of the Cheslatta Carrier, Wet'suwet'en, Lake Babine, Skin Tyee, Nee Tahi Buhn Band, and Tsil Kaz Koh Nations.