About Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak

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.

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.

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.

Brenda Joy is LFMO’s MMIWG2S Support & Engagement Coordinator, bringing deep expertise in Métis-related issues, project management, Gladue report writing, and justice policy. A committed advocate for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, Brenda’s work is rooted in trauma-informed, culturally respectful approaches. She leads engagement efforts, supports survivors and families, and helps shape research and policy addressing the MMIWG2S+ crisis.

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.

Yasmina is essential in strengthening the effectiveness of our internal systems, coordinating cross-departmental work, and supporting the implementation of strategies that reflect our mission and Métis values. With 20+ years in government and nonprofit sectors at the leadership levels, Yasmina works closely with the President and leadership team to ensure alignment across initiatives, and uphold our commitment to Indigenous governance. Her collaborative approach and deep respect for community-rooted practices make her an invaluable addition to our team.

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.

Santana works with government health agencies, Métis service providers, and Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals to develop Métis-specific health and learning resources, while advancing initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for Métis women.

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.

Marc brings a wealth of experience to LFMO’s finance team, with an extensive background in financial management within the non-profit sector. As Director of Finance, Marc leads the finance department, ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. Marc oversees all financial operations, supports the development of sound fiscal policies, and plays a key role in shaping the overall financial framework of the organization, helping to ensure LFMO’s resources are managed responsibly and effectively in support of our mission and the communities we serve.

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.

Barbara is a vital member of the LFMO team, leading research and policy development focused on early learning and child care for Métis children and families. She works to ensure that IELCC initiatives are not only effective but also grounded in Métis culture, traditions, and ways of knowing and being. Her work includes advocating for policies that prioritize the holistic wellbeing of Métis children—supporting their emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical development—while centering the voices of families and communities.

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.

Janice provides critical support to LFMO’s  President, assisting with the management of daily operations and ensuring the smooth coordination of the President’s affairs.

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.

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.

Kristena is our Director of ESDC 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.

As Policy Strategy Lead, Azra plays a key role in advancing LFMO’s mission through thoughtful advocacy and strategic policy development. She works to educate the public and raise awareness about the policy issues and systemic gaps that impact Métis women and gender-diverse people. Her work champions meaningful, community-informed change that not only addresses existing inequities but also uplifts the inherent rights and dignity of Métis communities.