Paulette Flamond reflects on Metis victory, eyes MNBC Region 7 re-election

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — As Métis Nation of BC (MNBC) region 7 director candidate Paulette Flamond takes a sip of her morning coffee, she looks back with energy and vigor about her first term.

After all, being a part of the Metis people’s history motivated her to pursue this goal: the Daniels Decision of 2016.

In the landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Métis are Indigenous peoples as lined out by the constitution.

“That day was such a victory for all of us,” said Flamond. “I walked down the steps with [Manitoba Métis  Federation president] David Chatrand, [Métis National council former president] Clem Chartier, Norma Spence, whose father Angus co-founded the Manitoba Métis Federation,” 

“We were photographed.  That photograph went all over the world. I celebrated by walking down the steps of the court with other Métis leaders.  It was a victory.”

It took another four years to get the opportunity.  Flamond, who sits on various boards including the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and Métis Financial Corproation, wasn’t sure if she was able to commit her entire schedule to MNBC duties.

According to her, the job, described by MNBC vice-president Walter Mineault as just a “weekend job,” has involved so much time, she took a step back from her role with the Northeast Aboriginal Business Centre.

“In four years, I’ve taken two weeks off as vacation,” said Flamond.  “The thing is though, my passion overrides my tiredness.  It overrides my frustration.”

During her term, Flamond’s efforts have included securing funding for infrastructure in Northeast BC, purchasing the Crosstown Apartments, which is the epicentre of the MNBC hub in Fort St. John, and building a soon-to-be-built daycare, with a September groundbreaking set. 

Other highlights include a new Skills Training, Employment, and Postsecondary (STEPS) office in the Fort St. John MNBC hub and purchasing ground in Hudson’s Hope for Métis citizens.

“We’ve opened the door up to inclusivity,” said Flamond.  “Building relationships with other First Nations, with other sector groups.”

“It’s all about servant leadership.  I want to teach our members how to fish. How to plant a seed for food sovereignty.  If we can create that community economic development, we won’t need the dependency on government.”

She sees another term as another opportunity, citing her humble roots in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, as the reason she desires to continue to “fight” for her community.

With that in mind, she hopes to advocate for Elder health care, ensuring that community residents 65 and older get what they need without “having to beg.”

“I was told that elders always come first,” said Flamond.  “I’m advocating so that our Nation’s elders are not beggars.  Elders are revered, I want to be able to support them however I can.”

Online voting for MNBC elections begin on August 24th, with the main election date scheduled for September 7th.