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.
| Vice President
Biography coming soon
Garth Caron | Secretary
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 in June of 2023.
Sheryl Sanjenko | Treasurer
Biography coming soon!
Jacqueline Senger | Women's Representative
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 behavioural Interventionist for NONA and retired in 2019. Jacqueline is very honoured to be the new Women’s Representative as of October 2022.
Don McBeth | Honorary Elder
Don McBeth was born 1934 in Prince Albert, Sask. where he spent the first 11 years of his life. At the age of 12 his family moved to New Westminster, B.C. Don began working at an early age as he was the eldest of 5 boys. He worked on the Railroad, Tugboats, and many other manual labour jobs. Don then attended Vocational School in Nanaimo B.C. where he became a Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator. He then began his own business which allowed him to work /travel to many different areas of this beautiful province.
His God father was John Diefenbaker.
Don enjoys working with students and sharing his vast knowledge, history, and customs.
Don has 3 daughters, and 2 Grandsons. Don is Proud to be Metis!
David Ross | Director
David Ross was born in Vernon, BC where he and his wife, Suzan, raised their two children. Their ancestral chart states that David’s family are descendants of the first Metis Nation, founded by the Pritchard family. The Pritchard family lived in the Winnipeg area for over 200 years. David’s work experience of 46 years has encompassed many aspects of the automotive industry, with the last 20+ years in management and human resources. Previous volunteer experience includes serving as a board member of an independent school and for a local sports association as well as serving on several non-profit committees. David is excited to join the VDMA board and hopes to make a positive difference.
Carol Bazell | Director
Carol Bazell is a happily married wife, mother and grandmother who enjoys numerous outdoor activities, crafts, flower arranging, baking, and cooking. For 25 years, Carol was a Certified Educational Assistant of the Vernon School District school board. Carol is a good listener with a positive attitude and work ethic. Keeping her skills sharp gives Carol a sense of pride and accomplishment. Family and friendships are highly important to Carol. She is excited to be working with the directors as she feels this opportunity will give her pleasure by helping others through communication and the ability to work with a team to make a difference.
Lauren Hughes | Director
Lauren Hughes was raised in Squamish, B.C., and moved to Vernon in 2020. She currently attends the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, for psychology. Lauren’s Métis heritage comes from both sides of her family, her mother is Cree-Métis, and her father’s side of the family originates from the Red River Settlement in Manitoba. Some of her family names include Linklater, Clarke, Minnie, and Favel. Lauren aims to work as a forensic psychologist with youth after finishing her post-secondary studies. She is excited to volunteer on the Vernon & District Metis Association board to help foster a positive community for our Métis youth!