Brenda is a highly experienced and dedicated professional who continually strives to empower her community to be self-sufficient, hardworking, and prosperous for the future.
In 2022, she was elected as Vice President of the Métis Settlements General Council and is committed to ensuring that Métis Settlements are respected, supported and empowered. Brenda’s focus is on building strong relationships with local and provincial governments, industry, and other Indigenous communities.
Prior to this, Brenda served five years as the Administrator and Economic Development Officer for Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement. Her leadership and hard work during her tenure has left a lasting impact on the community through secured economic ventures and stability.
Brenda has dedicated her career to working with the Indigenous community, government, and industry. She has served as Fund Developer and Executive Director of the Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Edmonton; as Manager of Indigenous Procurement Strategies and Manager of Aboriginal Business Development for Civeo Canada, a global workforce housing and accommodation specialist; and Program Coordinator for the Métis National Council.
In her work as a private consultant, and owner of Thunderstick Consulting, Brenda conducted research work and advised and led projects for organizations such as Alberta Environment, Northlands Park, Canadian Native Friendship Centre, and the Edmonton Aboriginal Cultural Foundation where she managed a viability study to assess the need for low-cost housing for Indigenous seniors.
From 1999 to 2002, she served as Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta where she participated in strategic planning, policy development, communications planning, media relations and budget approvals for a provincial Aboriginal organization; organized and attended consultations with Métis and First Nations communities across Alberta; and lobbied all levels of government to secure Métis rights, funding and legislative change.
Brenda is also a proud mother of three and Kokum to five grandchildren. She makes her home in Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement.
