Métis Nation reinstates president after ‘much consideration and clarification’

SURREY, B.C. — The Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) board of directors has reinstated its president following an investigation.

According to a press release on Monday, December 15th, Walter Mineault was reinstated as MNBC president, in a move the board says it made after “much consideration and clarification of the MNBC constitution.”

The statement reads the board will now “work together with president Mineault to strengthen the Nation.”

Mineault was suspended earlier this year following allegations of “behaviour inconsistent with the organization’s policies,” but MNBC declined to provide further details.

In the interim, Melanie Allard was named president. Several Métis groups showed solidarity with Mineault, including the Fort St. John Métis Society and Chetwynd’s Moccasin Flats Métis Society.

The release says the board will continue mediation between MNBC’s senate and Mineault in order to “help resolve our differences and find common ground.”

Regarding the investigation, MNBC says it is “committed to upholding fair process as outlined in our constitution and strengthening our governance.”

A Dawson Creek resident, Mineault was first elected MNBC president in 2024 after serving as the organization’s vice-president.

Energeticcity.ca has reached out to Mineault for further comment, but did not immediately hear back.