The Métis National Council's new leader has a date with the Pope and divisions to heal

Cassidy Caron never asked to lead the Métis National Council (MNC) during one of the most pivotal times in the organization's history.

On the night before the recent federal election, the 29-year-old — who was born in Rossland, B.C. and has family roots in the historic Métis communities of Batoche and St. Louis, Sask. — was brought into a Saskatoon hotel room. She was told by MNC delegates that they needed someone who could work for and with all Métis governments. 

Caron decided to let her name stand as a nominee. The next day she was propelled into the top role, replacing Clément Chartier — the first change in the top leadership at the MNC in 18 years. She also became the first woman elected to hold the position.

"It was very exciting, a little overwhelming, of course. It's a big role," said Caron. "It's just time for this change."

Caron is now leading the MNC at a time when Métis interests are playing a central role in the federal government's reconciliation agenda. She will also represent the Métis people during an audience with Pope Francis in Rome next month, as pressure builds on the Vatican to deliver an apology for residential schools.

Caron is taking the helm of the organization during one of its most turbulent periods. Tensions over identity and who can speak for the Métis have fractured the MNC. One of its central pillars, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), quit the national body earlier this year over membership practices involving the Métis Nation of Ontario.

MMF president David Chartrand was the MNC's interim national spokesperson shortly before the split. Chartrand said he has no plans to rejoin the MNC, but Caron has said she would welcome the MMF back at any time.

Those who are still part of the MNC say Caron is the right person to rebuild the organization. 

"President Caron, I think, is somebody who truly is really approaching this work as a nation builder," said Margaret Froh, president of the Métis Nation of Ontario, who nominated Caron.

"She's a fresh young face who brings a tremendous amount of community cultural experience and grounding."

Prominent Métis lawyer Jean Teillet, who argued for Métis rights before Canada's highest court, said Caron represents the next phase in the leadership of the Métis people.

"It's definitely a changing of the guard," said Teillet, the great-grandniece of Louis Riel, who led the Metis people in a stand against the Government of Canada during the Northwest Resistance. "A changing of the generations."

With Caron's election, two of the three main national Indigenous organizations are being led by women. Earlier this summer, RoseAnne Archibald was elected as the first female national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Former Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Mary Simon was also appointed Governor General.

Caron still hasn't had her first phone call with the prime minister. She said that when she does, she will encourage Justin Trudeau to take concrete steps toward reconciliation.