About Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak

Melanie has been LFMO President since 2010, advocating tirelessly for MMIWG2S+, Métis women’s health, justice, equity, and education. A long-time political activist, Melanie has contributed to key legislation including the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the Meech Lake Accord, the Charlottetown Accord, and the Kelowna Accord. Melanie has received numerous awards for her exceptional work on behalf of Métis women, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Lisa is LFMO’s longest-serving employee and a key liaison with government agencies, playing a pivotal role in fostering strong relationships and advancing our mission to support the needs of Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ folks.

Andrea plays a vital role in nurturing and strengthening our relationships with Métis Grandmothers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers, ensuring their wisdom and guidance are deeply integrated into all facets of our work.

Angie leads the development, coordination, and implementation of gender-based violence initiatives, applying a comprehensive, intersectional approach that prioritizes the diverse needs of Métis women, girls, and gender-diverse persons, while fostering collaborative relationships to create long-lasting, supportive solutions.

Crystal is an integral member of the organization, managing administrative operations and providing essential support to staff with human resources needs, ensuring smooth and efficient day-to-day operations.

Brenda Joy is our lead Policy Analyst and Researcher, bringing extensive expertise in Métis-related issues, project management, Gladue report writing, and justice policy, with a proven track record of driving impactful research and policy development.

Jonathon is a key member of our finance team, overseeing financial tasks and managing daily office operations. He coordinates administrative processes and ensures smooth office function. As a reliable point of contact, Jonathon is often the friendly voice you’ll hear when reaching out to our Ottawa office, offering efficient support to partners, clients, and colleagues.

Pacifique is a key member of our finance team, supporting financial operations through tasks like record-keeping, transaction processing, and budget preparation. His attention to detail ensures data accuracy and regulatory compliance, helping streamline operations and maintain efficient financial processes.

Kristena is our Director of ESCD Initiatives who works closely with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to shape policies that promote employment equity, support the unique needs of Métis job seekers, and improve employment outcomes for Métis women.

Kristen leads initiatives addressing the ongoing crisis of MMIWG2S+ by collaborating with Métis Survivors and the families of missing and murdered loved ones to shape policies that enhance the safety and protection of Métis women, girls, and gender-diverse kin.

Logan oversees research projects focused on advancing the priorities of 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, ensuring their voices and perspectives are meaningfully represented.

Mariana leads environmental initiatives focused on the unique environmental challenges faced by Métis women, exploring how climate change impacts the health and well-being of Métis communities.

Mariia supports LFMO’s research initiatives and plays a key role in organizing and preparing documentation and materials related to government affairs, ensuring clarity and alignment with organizational objectives.

Meara leads our communications strategy, overseeing LFMO’s social media, the website, newsletters, and promotional efforts to strengthen our reputation as the national representatives of Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Métis kin, ensuring LFMO’s message of solidarity and support resonates across the Motherland.

Nic serves as our 2SLGBTQQIA+ Initiatives Manager, overseeing initiatives that advance the unique priorities of 2SLGBTQQIA+ Métis individuals and working closely with 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members to address their needs.

Nika works closely with Métis youth to design and implement culturally relevant initiatives that empower and engage the next generation, fostering leadership, community involvement, and cultural pride.

Riley leads our strategic initiatives, working to ensure that LFMO is well-equipped with the necessary resources, capabilities, and vision to drive organizational growth, secure investment, and strengthen our impact across Métis communities.

Sharon is our Métis Knowledge Holder and Climate Change Coordinator, ensuring LFMO’s work is grounded in Métis cultural principles. She promotes cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, integrating Métis perspectives into all aspects of our initiatives. In her climate change efforts, Sharon blends traditional Indigenous knowledge with sustainable solutions to address environmental challenges.

Sheila plans and coordinates a wide range of Métis-specific events in close collaboration with community members, leaders, and other Métis organizations, ensuring these events are culturally relevant and meaningful, while actively strengthening the relationship between LFMO and Métis communities.

Natalie brings a wealth of expertise in health research to her role at LFMO. Her work centers on identifying the distinct determinants of health for Métis women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, while also exploring strategies to enhance access to care and address the barriers that impede healthcare for Métis communities.

Jamie is dedicated to advancing the well-being and mental health of Métis people through collaborative research initiatives and community consultation. Her work focuses on illuminating the distinctive aspects of Métis wellness and mental health, exploring traditional perspectives, and developing a comprehensive model of wellness tailored specifically to the Métis community.