Peace Métis branches support president suspended by B.C. organization

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Regional Métis organizations from the Peace are supporting the provincial Nation’s suspended president.

Walter Mineault was suspended last week by the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) for alleged “behaviour [that was] inconsistent with the organization’s policies” following public complaints.

In separate press releases, both the Fort St. John Métis Society and Chetwynd’s Moccasin Flats Métis Society say the decision was made without input nor details to Métis citizens.

“Despite a recent meeting with MNBC leadership, no meaningful clarity was provided to our society nor our citizens,” reads part of the statement by the Fort St. John Métis Society.

“This failure to provide information has caused frustration and eroded confidence in the decision-making process.”

Additionally, the Moccassin Flats Métis Society said Mineault’s suspension came with the “bare minimum” with regards to released information, saying offices in Chetwynd will close this week “until the matter is resolved in a fair and appropriate way.”

“Walter has been a strong and dedicated leader for our people,” reads Moccasin Flats Métis Society’s release. “Until we are given full and factual information, we choose to stand by his side.”

Mineault was first elected as MNBC president in 2024 after a term as vice-president.

Energeticcity.ca reached out to both Mineault and MNBC about this story. MNBC said it would not be making any further comment until a review is completed and Energeticcity.ca did not hear back from Mineault by publication time.