JoAnne Remillard

Background & Experience

With more than 40 years of volunteer service and over 30 years dedicated to the Métis community, JoAnne has become a respected advocate, leader, and voice for Red River Métis citizens. She made history as the first Red River Métis woman elected to serve on two Métis governing bodies, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to community leadership and public service.

In 2018, JoAnne was elected to the Winnipeg Region of the Manitoba Métis Federation as Regional Executive Director. Following her election, she was appointed Associate Minister for the Métis Child and Family Services portfolio by President David Chartrand. Throughout her work in this role, she consistently prioritized the well-being and future of Red River Métis children and families.

In 2022, JoAnne was acclaimed as Regional Director and appointed Minister responsible for the Environment and Climate Change portfolio. In this capacity, she represented the Red River Métis at international conferences, engaging with government officials and advocating for environmental stewardship while educating others about the identity, culture, and homeland of the Red River Métis people.

In September 2025, JoAnne was appointed to the Education portfolio by President Chartrand. Since assuming this role, she has worked closely with provincial education ministers while promoting the programs and initiatives of the Louis Riel Institute, including cultural programming and the Adult Learning Centre, which supports individuals seeking to complete their Mature Grade 12 diploma. She has also championed the work of Louis Riel College, which offers diploma and certificate programs such as Health Care Aide, Indigenous-Focused Early Childhood Education, and Medical Office Assistant training. In addition, she actively supports the Post-Secondary Education Support Program, which provides Red River Métis citizens with up to $5,000 annually for full-time studies.

Beyond her public service, JoAnne is a successful entrepreneur who operates a home-based business. She is also an active member of the Catholic Women’s League at Christ the King Church. Her educational achievements include a Business Management Diploma with Honours and a Diploma in Natural Health Sciences. She also served two terms as Secretary for the Manitoba Métis Federation Local Advisory Committee (LAC).

JoAnne’s family roots trace back to 1828 in St. Boniface, Winnipeg, and 1870 in St. Pierre-Jolys in the Rural Municipality of Tache. She is the proud mother of two sons, Mike (Krystal) and Cameron (Sishira), who reside in Ottawa, Ontario, and a loving grandmother to Kyler and Quinn.