Métis Nation of Alberta

Judicial Tribunal Chairperson

Lionel Chartrand was appointed by the Citizens’ Council in winter 2023 to serve as the chairperson of the Judicial Tribunal of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. As the chairperson, Lionel oversees the Judicial Tribunal’s processes, ensures proper application of the rules of procedure, and may assign duties to other Judicial Tribunal members.

Lionel is a Métis lawyer living in and carrying on a law practice in Edmonton, Alberta. He was raised in the Manitoba fishing village of St. Laurent to a family of 14, moving to Winnipeg at age 9, where he ultimately took his Bachelor of Arts degree and Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Manitoba. Mr. Chartrand was called to the Manitoba bar in June 1985. In 2008, Mr. Chartrand accepted a position as a senior Crown Prosecutor for Alberta Justice and was called to the Alberta bar in July 2008.

Lionel initially practiced in a variety of legal areas, including civil litigation, child welfare, family law, Indigenous law and took Métis rights cases to the Supreme Court of Canada in the 1990s and 2000s, securing hunting and fishing rights for Métis in Manitoba. He was lead counsel on the Métis rights cases of R v. McPherson and Christie, R v. Blais, R v St. Goddard, and R v Coutu.

Lionel has performed decades of community service work, especially for Métis organizations, including friendship centres. He held many positions in the legal field, including the chair of the Indigenous overincarceration committee of the Criminal Trial Lawyers’ Association in Alberta. He has also written law journal articles and been interviewed by media speaking on several legal topics.

Judicial Tribunal Member – Battle River Territory

John Phillips was appointed by the Citizens’ Council in winter 2023 to serve as a member of the Judicial Tribunal on behalf of Battle River Territory.

Born in Churchill, Manitoba, John graduated from law school at the University of Manitoba, having obtained both his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law degree in five years. John has been a practising lawyer for 47 years, obtaining a wide range of experience from working for a large natural gas company doing oil and gas and securities law, to working in private practice as a courtroom lawyer, involved in cases including first-degree murder jury trials. John is on King’s Counsel.

John has always been active with community activities and sports, including marathon runs, scuba and skydiving. He played football during high school and university and climbed Kilimanjaro a few years ago. John lived in England and Germany as a child and has travelled extensively throughout the world. He has done language courses in French, German, Spanish, Russian and Japanese.

John was an officer in the Canadian Army reserves and has held many leadership positions, such as Chairman of Vertigo Mystery Theatre, Chairman of the Alberta Law Enforcement Review Board, National President of the Canadian Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (CACOLE), Aboriginal Co-Chair for Calgary and Area Child and Family Services.

Judicial Tribunal Member – North Saskatchewan River Territory

Arlan Delisle was appointed by the Citizens’ Council in winter 2023 to serve as a member of the Judicial Tribunal on behalf of North Saskatchewan River Territory.

Arlan is a practicing lawyer and university professor. He has a law degree from Dalhousie University and a Master’s in Law from York University. As a lawyer, Arlan has worked in private practice as in-house legal counsel. Before becoming a lawyer, Arlan worked in the trades as an electrician. Arlan currently teaches in the School of Business at MacEwan University and is researching issues based on Call to Action 92 – Business and Reconciliation.

Arlan was raised in west-central Alberta and loves to be in the woods or on the water. He now resides west of Edmonton with his wife and two teenage kids. He also enjoys playing music, weaving, and recently became a blackbelt in Taekwondo.

Judicial Tribunal Member – Peace River Territory

Shea Taylor was appointed by the Citizens’ Council in winter 2023 to serve as a member of the Judicial Tribunal on behalf of Peace River Territory.

Shea graduated from the RCMP Depot in 2007. He began his career in law enforcement with his first posting being on the Bigstone Cree Nation’s Calling Lake First Nation Reserve. Shea was involved in the community and connected with the Chief, Council, students, and school officials.

Over his 16-year career, Shea honed his skills and expertise in both person’s crimes and financial crimes investigations. This wealth of experience is the cornerstone to upholding justice and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Beyond his investigative abilities, Shea remains dedicated to public service, as he continues to serve the Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government by ensuring that integrity and accountability are an integral part of our society.

Judicial Tribunal Member – Lower Athabasca River Territory

Janis Cunningham was appointed by the Citizens’ Council in spring 2024 to serve as a member of the Judicial Tribunal on behalf of Lower Athabasca River Territory.

Janis is currently completing her Bachelor of Education through the University of Calgary and plans to pursue Graduate Studies. In 2021, Janis was inducted into the Scholars Academy Program designed for students who demonstrate high leadership potential, determination, and compassion to the community. During her time with the University of Calgary she has worked as a Research Assistant on various projects where she continues to develop her abilities to extract and analyze data, build partnerships, and improve processes and procedures. She has also had the privilege of working and volunteering in various capacities with organizations such as Rupertsland Institute, Rupertsland Center for Métis Research, University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies, and McMurray Métis.

Born to parents who worked in Law Enforcement and Education, Janis has an inherent passion for life-long learning, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. As a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and member to one of the eight Metis Settlements, she recognizes and continues to learn about the unique and complex governance structures of the Métis people within Alberta. Janis values family, community, and reciprocity. She aspires to be a leader and advocate for the inclusion, advancement, and autonomy of Indigenous voices.

Judicial Tribunal Member – Lesser Slave Lake Territory

Corinne Willier was appointed by the Citizens’ Council in spring 2024 to serve as a member of the Judicial Tribunal on behalf of Lesser Slave Lake Territory.

Corinne is a retired Métis woman from Slave Lake. She has over 38 years of service working in different capacities for the Alberta Government. Her ability to self-manage and her strong sense of determination led her to achieve her longest tenure with Alberta Parks (30 years) where she performed senior administrative duties. Corinne’s capacity to address and lead Program Management in the Northwest Region included contract governance, asset inventory, disposition management, fleet administration, and occupational health and safety initiatives.

Her enthusiasm for community involvement has led Corinne to take on many roles throughout her lifetime. They include Daycare Board Director, Minor Hockey Treasurer and Coordinator, Student Japanese Exchange Program Member, Heart and Stroke Canvasser, Elections Canada Returning Officer, Spruce Point Park Association Board Director, Hospital Auxiliary Member, Vice President, President and currently Memorial Fund Coordinator, MNA Region 5 Local #19 active member and most recently Lesser Slave Lake Métis District Community Garden Committee member. Corinne’s diverse skill set and capabilities to contribute effectively have motivated her desire to serve the Otipemisiwak Métis Government in this meaningful capacity as Judicial Tribunal Member for Lesser Slave Lake Territory.