Staff

Stella Lavallee - President

Stella Lavallee serves as the elected President of the Willow Lake Métis Nation, currently in her third consecutive term. As a descendant of one of the historical Métis families, Stella is a traditional harvester and land user who maintains a deep connection to her community and its traditional territory. Since first being elected, Stella has been dedicated to advancing the interests of Willow Lake Citizens through strategic leadership, governance, and collaboration. Her tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on building and maintaining productive relationships with Industry Partners, Government, and neighbouring Communities. Under her leadership, the Willow Lake Métis Nation continues to strengthen its governance capacity, pursue meaningful consultation and engagement processes, and create sustainable opportunities for future generations.

Joyce Quintal - Finance Lead

Joyce Quintal is the Finance Lead for the Willow Lake Métis Nation. Joyce’s unwavering dedication, cultural knowledge, and passion for community has made her a respected Elder, role model and knowledge keeper for generations. Joyce is proud to be a part of the Willow Lake Métis team and is grateful to Community Members and Industry partners for their support.

Matthew Michetti -  Senior Manager of Government and Industry Relations

Matt has vast experience in energy, economic and project development as well as government and corporate relations. He’s lived in Northeast Alberta virtually all his life and is passionate about promoting the community through effective partnerships and positive relations.

Destiny Martin – Sustainability Manager

Destiny Martin is the Sustainability Manager for Willow Lake Métis Nation and is excited to be a part of such a dynamic team. She has more than 15 years experience, in various capacities, working with and for indigenous communities and is very passionate about her indigenous culture and traditions. She is very eager and ready to assist Willow Lake Métis Nation in being the model indigenous community.

Rienna Davey – Employment and Training Coordinator

Rienna Davey is the Employment and Training Coordinator for Willow Lake Métis Nation and is excited and looking forward in being a part of the team. Rienna is a proud Métis woman, and now permanently residing in Anzac, after 14 years in Fort McMurray. She is happy to bring her vast experience and skills to her new role and contribute to the growth and development of the Willow Lake Métis Nation and community.

Chyane Thiessen - Financial Controller

Originally from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Chyane relocated to Fort McMurray in 2021. She holds a Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation and brings over a decade of experience in public auditing. Her diverse career includes leadership in both the automotive industry and Indigenous governance, where she gained deep insight into financial operations and community-driven stewardship. Chyane is also actively involved in local community programs and events, reflecting her ongoing commitment to meaningful engagement.

Kyle Whitford - Indigenous Guardian

Kyle was born and raised in Anzac, where his deep connection to the land was cultivated through his lifelong passion as a trapper and land user. A skilled tradesman, Kyle holds a Red Seal in Welding and is a 2nd Year Heavy Duty Mechanic. He began his career in 1993 at Syncrude, dedicating decades to the industrial sector. In addition to his professional pursuits, Kyle has remained rooted in his heritage and culture, prioritizing these values throughout his journey. Kyle brings his extensive expertise, unwavering dedication to sustainability, and profound respect for the land, embodying the principles of stewardship and community.

Prince Mapuranga - Senior Accountant

I am an accounting professional with over seven years of progressive experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls. I'm currently a CPA Candidate working toward my professional designation. Over the years I've built a strong reputation for integrity, accuracy, and dedication to excellence in financial management. 

I'm passionate about using my skills to promote transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth within organizations. Joining Willow Lake Métis Nation gives me the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a community-driven organization that values collaboration, inclusion, and long-term success.

Frances Whitford - Treasurer

Frances Whitford is a Metis artisan. Born and raised in Anzac and Willow Lake Metis Citizen, i was raised mainly by my grandparents who surrounded me in my Metis heritage, from living with the land practices and using materials harvested to create beautiful art pieces from various materials harvested on the land such as moose hide, various types of furs and fishscale being a few. I learned most of my beadwork craft from my grandmother Eva Mckenzie. Being raised by my grandparents I had the privilege of a life surrounded in the Metis culture. My grandmother a Metis artisan who would not only make for the family but also to sell in an effort to supplement the families income and my grandfather a trapper who would supply the furs and hides for her to be able to make items such as moccasins, jackets, mukluks etc. My brother Kyle Whitford has now stepped into their grandfather's shoes and is the trapper and the supplier for most of the materials that I use in my work. Through my efforts to preserve and tansfer traditional knowledge I created a small business called Beadwork & Bannock The work I do is truly a creation of love and legacy to my grandparents and my Metis Culture.