Swearing-In of Newly Elected District Captains Strengthens Otipemisiwak Métis Government
Posted on: Nov 29, 2024
Swearing-In of Newly Elected District Captains Strengthens
Otipemisiwak Métis Government
Edmonton, November 29, 2024 – Following the 2024 District Elections, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government proudly marked another significant milestone with the swearing-in of its newly elected District Captains. The ceremony, held in the presence of Métis Citizens and leaders, welcomed four new District Captains who bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion to their roles.
The newly sworn-in District Captains are:
- Guy L’Heureux, Foothills Métis District 1
- Terry Rudyk, Jasper House Métis District 7
- Joseph René de Meulles, Fort Edmonton Métis District 9
- Chantel Sparklingeyes, Lac La Biche Métis District 19
Elected directly by Citizens of a District, District Captains play a vital role in ensuring that the Otipemisiwak Métis Government remains connected to Citizens and communities in all corners of the province, advocating for services, championing local development and fostering cultural preservation for Métis within Alberta.
“Today’s swearing-in ceremony is a testament to the ongoing strength of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and our unwavering commitment to advancing the aspirations of our Citizens,” said Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “I look forward to the work we will accomplish together in the months and years ahead.”
This swearing in ceremony marks another achievement for Métis self-determination and self-government. Over the past year, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has celebrated numerous historic achievements, including hosting its inaugural Citizens’ Gathering and launching transformative programs in health, housing, and education. The newly elected District Captains, along with all other elected representatives of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, will play a critical role in advancing these initiatives while representing the voices and priorities of Métis Citizens across Alberta.
“Building a government that reflects Métis identity and sovereignty is no easy task,” added President Sandmaier. “With the dedication and leadership of these District Captains, we are taking bold steps forward to strengthen our communities and improve the lives of our Citizens.”
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government extends its gratitude to Métis Citizens for their trust and support and congratulates the new District Captains on their election. Together, they look forward to building a legacy of resilience, progress, and opportunity for future generations.
Biographies
Guy L’Heureux honours his Métis heritage on his mother’s side. His lineage stems through Marie Lambert, a Saulteaux woman who was born in 1787. This lineage eventually led to the Nault family who stood beside Riel during the forming of the Métis government and the Red River Resistance. Guy’s passion for Métis culture originates from his uncle, Ovide Cadrain, a Second World War veteran who, along with his mother, encouraged him to pursue his heritage. He became President of the Lethbridge Métis Local and eventually accepted the position of Vice-President of the Pincher Creek Local. His wife encouraged him to run for District Captain by reminding him of his past interest of advancing the recognition of Métis rights in Southern Alberta.
Terry Rudyk’s Métis family settled in the Prairie Echo, north of High Prairie, and the surrounding area including Grouard. Her ancestral names are Jobin, Chalifoux and Shaw. She lives her life as close to Métis traditions as possible. Terry lives in a log home heated with wood and filled with foods grown or harvested.
She has two college diplomas from Red River Community College in Winnipeg in Business Skills and Business Administration. Terry graduated both with Honours and worked in the banking industry for over 20 years. Terry is the oldest of five siblings and is married with one son, Cameron, daughter-in-law, Christina, and grandson, Alex. She has lived a good life filled with amazing experiences that made her the person she is today. Terry feels it’s her time to give back and serve her people as District Captain for the Jasper House Métis District.
Joseph René de Meulles grew up in Churchill, Manitoba and was involved with helping the Métis people since the age of 12. His mother, Myrtle de Meulles , was an Indigenous artist who received the “Order of Manitoba” and the “Order of the Métis Nation” for her commitment to the Métis community and preservation of Métis culture. René’s parents taught him the importance of giving back to the community.
René honed his leadership skills in the Fire Service as a Captain in Manitoba. He was the youngest Fire Chief in the history of Saskatchewan. After moving to Alberta 30 years ago, he served as an elected official on an Edmonton school board while raising his three children with his wife, Jodi Howard.
René has been an entrepreneur, a dedicated public servant, and now your Fort Edmonton Métis District Captain in the Otipemisiwak Métis government.
Chantel Sparklingeyes is a Métis woman, mother, and wife, from Lac La Biche. Chantel was born a Boucher and raised in a strong matriarch home by her mother, Dianna Boucher and her Kokum, Jeannette Boucher. Her family names are Boucher, Cardinal, and Lavallee. Chantel’s Kokum is a Cardinal and Lavallee from Powstick (Owl River). Her Mushum, the late Patrick Boucher, is from Draper but was raised in Lac La Biche. She is a mother of 3 and has been married to Pierre Sparklingeyes since 2015. Chantel holds a Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work and has dedicated her 13-year career to enhancing the quality of life for Indigenous people in her hometown. She has deep political roots from the Boucher and Lavallee side of her family and was inspired to run for District Captain from the drive to create positive change for the Métis community she comes from.
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Media Contact:
Kenny Trenton, Press Secretary
Otipemisiwak Métis Government
ktrenton@metis.org