Board Members
The VDMA board works hard to ensure all Métis in the Vernon District area have representation and access to cultural needs. To join or inquire more information on the roles of the board please email VernonCC@mnbc.ca
Ron Caron | President
Ron Caron was born in Surrey, BC but raised in Prince George. His family names are Caron, Dumas, Gervais, Landry, Vandal and Parenteau. Ron’s father, Lionel, was born in Batoche, Saskatchewan as was his grandfather, Jean Marie. Ron's grandmother, Helene Gervais, was born in Fish Creek, Saskatchewan and his father's great grandfather, Jean Sr, and grandfather, Jean Jr, were both active in the northwest resistance. During the resistance in Batoche, Ron’s great grandfathers, Jean Baptiste Vandal and Pierre Parenteau Sr, were two of Louis Riel's council. From 1986 to 2001, Ron worked at Overwaitea Foods as a department manager. He is currently self-employed and runs a flooring installation business. Ron has been married for 40 years and has two sons and three grandkids. He still plays hockey and curling, and tries to attend as many yoga classes as he can. Ron is also a volunteer coach for a U-11 girl's hockey team. He enjoys his position as president of VDMA and looks forward to keeping the organization moving forward in a positive direction.
Jacqueline Senger | Interim Vice President
Jacqueline Senger grew up in Saskatoon and moved to British Columbia with her husband and small children in 1987. Her Metis heritage goes back to the Peebles, Johnstone, and Bird families from the Red River Settlement. Jacqueline worked within the education system as a Special Needs worker and Education Assistant for 25 years. When she moved to Vernon in 2013, Jacqueline was a behavioral Interventionist for NONA and retired in 2019. Jacqueline is very honoured to be the interim Vice President.
Garth Caron | Secretary / Treasurer
Garth Caron is a descendant from the Caron/Gervais families from Batoche/Fish Creek Saskatchewan and Red River Valley. He has been a member of many Metis organizations throughout Canada. Garth has worked in the Airline Industry, for the Federal Government with CBSA and the RCMP administration and clerical staff. Garth has lived in many places throughout Canada and now calls Lake Country his home. Garth was voted in as the Vernon & District Metis Association’s Secretary and Treasurer.
Serena Yatkowsky | Women's Representative
Biography coming soon!
Chloe Newton | Director
​
Chloe was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She moved to the Okanagan in 2016 where she met her husband. She is grateful to be able to raise her 4 kids here in Vernon. Chloe previously worked as an elementary school teacher before staying at home to raise her children. She has held other volunteer roles in the community, including with Girl Guides and Navy League of Canada. She enjoys beading, making ribbon skirts, moccasins, and other traditional activities. Chloe's ancestral roots are in the Red River settlement, and most of her family still lives in the Winnipeg area. Her family names include Gingras and Chevrier. Chloe is looking forward to connecting with her Métis culture and community.
Mary Schwingenschloegl | Honorary Elder
Profile coming soon
| Director
Position will be filled at the next AGM in October
| Director
Position will be filled at the next AGM in October
| Director
Position will be filled at the next AGM in October