鶹ýAV

Skip to content

Caron to focus on family after Métis Council term ends

Caron headed the Métis delegation, with First Nations and Innuit representatives, in a historic meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican two years ago.
cassidy-caron-2
Métis National Council President Cassidy Caron, left, gets a congratulatory hug from Métis Nation-Saskatchewan president Glen McCallum after speaking in last week’s Back to Batoche Festival in Saskatchewan.

SASKATOON — Family first. Cassidy Caron chose this as she decided not to seek re-election as Métis National Council President in September. For her, three years of serving as the Council’s leader is enough to do her share to advance the Métis citizens’ cause.

Caron was born and raised in Rossland, B.C., where she led the Métis Youth BC and was the Métis Nation BC’s Youth Minister for four years before being the first elected female president of the National Council in 2021.

However, her family comes from Métis communities in Saskatchewan. Her great-grandfather, Jean Caron Sr., had a house in Batoche that was destroyed during the historic Battle of Batoche, while her maternal grandmother’s family was among the first that settled in St. Louis.

She recalled that the MNC back then needed rebuilding as an Indigenous organization, where she worked committedly and did so with the help of the board of governors, composed of presidents of each Nation in the country — and guidance from their elders.

“From the outset of my term, I committed to leading this period of change and transition. Three years later, I'm very proud of what we have accomplished. We have truly transformed the [MNC]. The MNC is now a transparent, accountable and effective organization that works for our Métis government,” said Caron, who attended last week’s Back to Batoche festival.

“I'm proud of our work together and confident we will leave behind a strong, functioning, and ethical organization with exceptional and dedicated staff for the next generation of leaders. I have incredible hope for the future of the Métis nation, our communities and our families.”

She thanked everyone who guided and helped her and for the trust they gave her in the three years leading the Council.  Now, she embarks on another journey of raising a family as she and her husband, Paul, are expecting their first child.

“My husband Paul and I are very excited to be expecting our first baby and we will soon raise a member of the next generation of proud Métis who will be part of this bright future. I want to express my deepest gratitude as I leave my role,” said Caron.

“I can not wait to come back [in Batoche] next year with my baby to show where they come from and all they must be proud of. Thank you for your invaluable support and kindness over the last three years. I couldn't have done this work without you.”

She added that their ancestors, especially Louis Riel and other leaders who fought for their rights, would have been proud to see the changes and accomplishments that Métis communities had achieved over the years.

Caron also headed the MNC’s delegation, which was joined by First Nations and Inuit representatives, to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican. It is one of the highlights of Caron’s term as president, where she helped tell the stories of Métis residential school survivors and their diverse communities.

A few weeks after being elected as council president in September 2021, Caron called a meeting with the board of governors to plan who would be part of their delegation who would represent the entire Métis Nation. The meeting took place from March 28 to April 1, 2022.





push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks