Hello, my name is Stephanie Albiston. I am 25 years old and I live in Vancouver. I am a recent University of British Columbia Law School Graduate. I have a Bachelors degree in History and a minor in French. Following my undergraduate degree I traveled around Europe exploring and enjoying a different pace of lifestyle.

Before I was provincially elected as the Youth Chairperson I was a member of the BCUMYC for over two years as the Lower Mainland Regional Youth Representative and a member of the executive.

Throughout my educational career I worked as a Competitive Swim Coach and Lifeguard for eight years. I was a basketball coach, a municipal camp leader, a community center Programmer, and a fitness instructor. Most Recently I was employed by the Aboriginal Sports hall of Fame traveling throughout the Province in conjunction with the Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole to collect aboriginal sports stories. And I am currently an Articling Student. I also have a strong background and passion for sport. I have not completed two Olympic distance triathlons.

My experiences in school and as a member of the BCUMYC have propelled my enthusiasm for law and advocacy and cultivated an even stronger interest in serving the public and instilling pride in Métis youth.

I am so excited, and so thankful for everyone on this new committee. I am inspired by each member and can't wait to see what we are able to accomplish.

Hi, my name is Colette Trudeau and I am the Director of Youth for Métis Nation British Columbia. I am 24 years old and am currently residing in the city of Maple Ridge. My Métis roots originating with my great grandfather who was a settler in the Red River Valley.

I graduated with honors in French Immersion and am currently a student at BCIT pursuing my degree in Human Resources. Throughout my work experience, I have gained an extensive background in real estate and customer service.

I've also had the opportunity to travel across North America extensively as the lead singer of the all-female rock band, LiveonRelease. The band had a #1 single with 4 music videos appearing on Much Music.

I am very passionate about working with the youth of British Columbia and ensuring that they have a voice while preserving the Métis culture. I believe that this is a very exciting time for Métis Youth. We have new faces, new ideas and new relationships to build. The sky is the limit for this group.

Tansi kiya wow,
My name is Savannah McKenzie and I am the Regional Youth Representative for Vancouver Island. I am eighteen years old and live in Courtenay, Vancouver Island. I recently graduated from high school. Throughout high school, I have enjoyed French and First Nation Studies immensely. I used to participate in Drama and Improv regularly and that has definitely helped me have the confidence that I have today. It was our Aboriginal program at my secondary school that got me in contact with my local Métis Chartered Community President and after that everything fell into place.

I plan on obtaining a post secondary education by getting my Bachelors of Social Work; specializing in the First Nations/Aboriginal stream. After getting my BSW, it is my goal to help either Métis children or inmates, possibly moving into an area with more Métis people. Along the way, I hope to become fluent in French and start learning the Michif language. I feel that if I speak our language, I may be able to connect better with some of the Métis people in my work as well as be more in touch with my own culture.

It is my honour to represent the Vancouver Island youth and I hope that as I gain more experience, I will be able to help all of the youth that need help or have questions for me. One of my main goals is to help the youth in my region to obtain their Provincial Citizenship Cards and to have more cultural activities for them to participate in. I love my culture and I have enjoyed everything that I have already experience as the Intereim Regional Youth Representative. I never want to stop learning about my culture and hope to be able to share my ever growing knowledge with others.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Savannah McKenzie

If you are interested in becoming the Lower Mainland Regional Youth Representative, please contact the Director of Youth, Colette Trudeau at: ctrudeau@mnbc.ca or the Minister Responsible for Youth, Stephanie Albiston at: salbiston@mnbc.ca

I'm a 19-year-old Métis student of language who currently attends the University of British Columbia and sits as an MNBC/BCUMYC regional youth representative for the Thompson/Okanagan region. I love to learn about anything I can, especially in the field of English, linguistic and Japanese language studies. I love to draw, sing and write both creatively and critically about emotion, fantasy and the nature of the surrounding universe. I recently became involved with Métis youth in an effort to meld my passions with Métis culture, hopefully learning more about my heritage and myself in the process. I plan to attend graduate and post graduate studies in the field of language so that I can have an opportunity to teach young, aspiring minds with my unique perspective as a Métis University Professor.

I'm Dallas Favel and this is my bio. I'm gonna tell you 'bout me by putting myself on trial.

I like writing, drawing, exercising my wonderful fun-filled mind. I'm exciting, aweing bawlin-flawless one of a kind. I'm a swimmer, a fighter but a kid at heart. A singer, a poet, to focus - I start art.

Region 4 youth reps, bringing humour with each step, steppin' up, and making up stuff. Brand-new cup, with luck, we'll power youth like a truck.

So now you see, how you know me, Dallas J.S. Favel, making people believe. "There's room in the world for everyone", and that includes Métis. For you, the engagement and peace, no matter the personality. So if you're Métis in the Kootaney, give me a ring.

This concludes my rhyme, any questions, drop me a line. Be weary of the time 'cause I'm a man who likes his sleep. Its cool, plus I'm in school.

In the past year I have been doing a lot of things with the Métis youth. Almost every weekend I get together with the youth and do an activity with them. I really enjoy doing things with the youth and am looking forward to doing more and meet new people.

I live in Williams Lake and have for the most of my life. I am the regional youth representative for north central. I am currently taking courses at Thompson Rivers University in the human services program. I am very giving and love working or helping anyone in need. My biggest passion is horses - they are my best friends. For many years I've ridden in the Williams Lake stampede and loved every minute.

I have been very active in my community and have volunteered at the local race way for 15 years or longer. I love the sounds of the cars going around the track. There have been times that I have even gotten behind the wheel in a race or two.

Hi, my name is Katherine Wolfenden and I'm 18 years old. I am the youth representative for region six and I really enjoy meeting all the new youth and traveling around BC. I am currently living in Prince George while in school and in the fall I will be attending the college for my diploma in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Technology. I enjoy learning about anything and everything to do with trees and wildlife. Most of my time is spent hanging out with my friends, swimming, going for walks, and camping.

Hi, my name is Jackie Lafleur. I'm 19 years of age and live in Fort St John. Currently, I am attending the local college trying to work my way into university. I enjoy playing baseball and indoor soccer. I recently became the Region 7 youth representative and have loved everything I have experienced already and am excited to see what the future may bring. I look forward to helping youth meet other Métis youth and elders, along with helping them learn about the Metis culture.