PRESIDENT

Tansi, I’m pleased to meet you! My name is Joy Sundin and my Métis ancestry is with my father’s family descending from Peter Fidler marrying the Cree woman Mary Mackagonne at the Hudson Bay Company York Factory.
It was not until I was over fifty years old that I learned that I was Métis from the Red River Settlement, and since then I’ve been on a quest to explore and share our Métis culture and heritage, and join in with the very large, wonderfully welcoming Métis communities’ events and activities.
I am a mother to three Métis children and 3 grandchildren, and I have lived in Prince Rupert for forty years, as well as having lived in five other Canadian provinces.
I like to spend time outdoors paddling, hiking, fishing, hunting, gathering, and in traveling adventures, and in spare times a good cup of tea with friends, family and acquaintances in conversation is top of my list.

VICE PRESIDENT

Tansi! Stefanie is a proud Métis woman whose paternal roots trace back to Métis family names such as Coutu, Lagimodière, Lavallée, Ducharme, Beauregard… Since moving to Prince Rupert in 2022, she has embraced the coastal community and currently serves as a volunteer board director and Vice President on the Prince Rupert & District Métis Society board.

A registered social worker and counsellor, Stefanie brings Métis values, knowledge, and a culturally grounded perspective to her practice. She is passionate about community wellness, fostering connectedness, celebrating people’s strengths/gifts, and promoting holistic health, balance, and inclusion.

Having recently begun a deeper journey into her Métis heritage and culture, Stefanie hopes to inspire others to explore and embrace their own Métis identities in ways that support their well-being, relationships, and growth. 

Outside of work and volunteering, Stefanie enjoys spending time outdoors, wild swimming, running, exploring trails, sipping good coffee, and learning new languages.

SECRETARY

Briana Greer is a proud Northerner, born and raised in Terrace, British Columbia, and has called Prince Rupert home for the past eight years. A dedicated advocate for the Métis Nation, she has represented Métis rights and interests since the age of 15, including speaking at the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in 2022 and on national panels hosted by Global Affairs Canada and the Métis National Council.

She currently serves on the Prince Rupert & District Métis Society board and works as a policy analyst with Natural Resources Canada. Briana holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern British Columbia, where she double majored in Global & International Studies and Political Science and earned a Certificate in Public Administration. She later completed an Applied Certificate in Indigenous Leadership Skills from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and a Master of Political Science from UNBC.

Guided by the Métis principle of Wahkotowin—the interconnectedness of all relations—Briana actively integrates her academic and professional expertise into her community work, contributing policy knowledge in support of Métis self-determination and cultural resurgence.

TREASURER

Tanya is a proud Métis citizen, devoted mother, and loving grandmother with a deep passion for helping others. Born and raised in Prince Rupert, she has always embraced the values of community and service, striving to give back as often as she can.

Currently, Tanya serves as the treasurer for the Prince Rupert District Métis Society (PRDMS), ensuring strong financial stewardship for the organization. She also works as a Resource Social Worker for the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), where she supports families and advocates for their well-being.

With a heart for service and a strong connection to her Métis heritage, Tanya continues to make a lasting impact in her community, fostering support, guidance, and meaningful change.

DIRECTOR

I was born in Kamloops and came to Prince Rupert when I was just six months old. I’m a proud mother to three Métis children.

In my early twenties, I discovered my Métis heritage through my father, and my siblings and I began exploring our family genealogy. It’s been a joy to learn more about our Métis roots and to uncover the branches of our family tree—including the incredible discovery that I have over 1,100 cousins, aunts, and uncles. Now that’s a Métis family!

I’ve owned my own cleaning business here in Prince Rupert for the past thirty-two years, and I’m now looking forward to enjoying retirement.

My hobbies include taking mosaic classes, and running is truly my passion. I’ve been a Director on the PRDMS Board since 2022, and I look forward to seeing you at the cultural events we plan throughout the year.

DIRECTOR

Born and raised in Prince Rupert, Mandy Lawson is proud to be part of the Métis community on the North Coast. After spending years away, she returned home with a deeper appreciation for the strength, resilience, and cultural richness of her roots.

She serves on the board of the Prince Rupert & District Métis Society to help foster connection, visibility, and pride within the community. As a yoga educator and small business owner, Mandy brings a passion for wellness, inclusion, and community-building to her role.

She believes in creating spaces where all Métis people feel seen, supported, and inspired to reconnect with their heritage—whether they're rediscovering their identity or continuing a long line of tradition. Serving on the board is one way she gives back to the community that has shaped her spirit and sense of belonging.