Donna Wallace-Bourgeault

Biographical Notes

Donna Wallace-Bourgeault is a Wolastoqey woman born and raised on the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation. She graduated from the Cité des Jeunes A.M. Sormany in 1989. After a year of studying Business Administration at the University of Moncton, she shifted her focus to health studies and graduated as a Medical Secretary at the New Brunswick Community College in 1993.

For over ten years, Donna gained diverse experience working in the Edmundston area. In 2006, she returned to her First Nation community to work at the Health Center as a Medical Secretary. Two years later, she accepted the position of Band Administrator, a role she continues to hold.

In 2013, Donna was elected as a Band Councillor and re-elected for subsequent terms in 2015, 2019 , and 2023. Throughout her tenure, she has been dedicated to making Madawaska a self-sufficient First Nation. Her vision includes fostering economic development and creating employment opportunities.

Donna is committed to enhancing policies and improving programs related to Education, Housing, and Health, all while ensuring the well-being of Elders.

Diane Pelletier

Biographical Notes

Councillor Diane Pelletier is not just a leader on the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation.

She is married to the love of her life, Guilmond Thibault, and is the mother of two beautiful children, Billy and Jamie. Diane is a descendant of the Francis family and is the ninth child in a family of thirteen. She’s been living on reserve for the last 25 years and has been a councillor for 13 years and was just re-elected for another four years. Diane worked for the band in many capacities. She held a position of Tourism Facilitator for three years and was the Cultural Event Planner for two years. She went back to school and holds a certificate in Business Management. Her last job before her election as councillor was NNADAP Worker. She was also in charge of the Tobacco Strategy with Health Canada when the program ended, she put in place a wonderful project that she called “Helping our children being healthy”. Her vision was to have a gym for the benefit of the whole community and with the increase of $1.00 per pack of native cigarettes sold she was able to fulfill that dream. During that time, she also took a six-week course entitle the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative from which she graduated with honors. The band now receives funding every year because of Diane’s initiative and successful accomplishments in that program. Looking forward Diane hopes to continue the successes of MMFN by making them a leader in environmentally friendly and clean energy projects.

LOUISE OUELETTE

NOTES BIOGRAPHIQUES

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ALEX BERNARD

NOTES BIORAPHIQUES

Alex Bernard is a multifaceted individual who wears many hats in both his professional and personal life. At 33 years old, Clement has already made significant contributions to his community and beyond.

Professionally, Alex serves as the Infrastructure Coordinator and a Councillor for the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, where he works tirelessly to improve the lives of his fellow community members. His dedication to his role is matched only by his passion for serving others, embodying qualities of honesty, dedication, loyalty, and hard work.

Before his tenure with the First Nation, Alex sharpened his entrepreneurial skills as the founder and operator of a successful excavation and paving company for seven years. His experience in business management and leadership has been instrumental in his current role.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Alex is a devoted family man. He shares his life with his beautiful and talented wife, and together they are the proud parents of six wonderful children ranging from 13 years old to 2 years old. Family is at the core of Alex’s values, and he strives to create a nurturing and supportive environment for his loved ones.

In addition to his commitments to work and family, Alex has recently embarked on a new venture as the owner of the Edmundston Fish Market in his community. This undertaking reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to economic development within his community.

In his leisure time, Alex has discovered a newfound passion for music. He showcases his talent as a bass player in a band that entertains audiences all around the province. His musical pursuits not only bring joy to himself but also unite communities through the power of music.

Alex Bernard's journey is one of dedication, resilience, and service. Whether he's leading infrastructure projects, nurturing his family, or rocking out on stage, Alex’s impact is felt far and wide, leaving a lasting legacy of positivity and progress.