Walter Mineault wins Métis Nation B.C. by-election

Walter R. Mineault has been named vice-president of the Métis Nation B.C. after a by-election held Wednesday.

Mineault has roots in Kelly Lake, Pouce Coupe and Dawson Creek.

According to MNBC, as a child, Mineault was immersed in the Métis way of life, which gave him insight into the culture, traditional and contemporary ways of life, and the challenges faced by the community.

His father, Herb Mineault, was a Métis Nation provincial vice-president in the early 1980s and a source of inspiration. He grew up listening to and learning from Métis politics and knew many Métis leaders.

His family and community are his primary motivation to work to improve Métis lives in British Columbia, according to MNBC.

Mineault and his wife have been married for 28 years and have four children together and two grandchildren.

He has been a successful entrepreneur for over 20 years as a private contractor and has employed many Métis workers.

Mineault has served as a Métis community president in Pouce Coupe and served two terms as the Regional Director in the MNBC Northeast region.

As vice president, Mineault has several key priorities, including affirming Métis rights, recognition and self-government, advancing economic development initiatives, supporting the advancement of Métis child and family initiatives as led by the Métis Nation, focusing on Métis culture and language opportunities and programs, and focus on addressing issues of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).

“He is committed to shared leadership, transparency, and a positive approach to nation-building at all levels – local, regional, provincial and national for the betterment of all Métis citizens.”

There were 1,783 votes cast by mail-in and electronic options, but only 9.77 per cent of registered voters participated.

For more information, visit the MNBC website.