Cassidy Caron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cassidy Caron
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|---|---|
| President, Métis National Council | |
| Assumed office 30 September 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Clément Chartier |
| Chairperson of the Métis Youth British Columbia, Métis Nation British Columbia | |
| In office September 2016 – September 2020 |
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| Succeeded by | Shaughn Davoren |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 July 1992 Rossland, British Columbia |
| Nationality | Métis, Canadian |
| Spouse | Paul Robitaille |
Cassidy Caron (born July 14, 1992) is an important Métis leader. She was elected as the president of the Métis National Council in September 2021. Before this, she was the chairperson of the Métis Youth British Columbia. She also served as the Minister of Youth for the Métis Nation British Columbia from 2016 to 2020.
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Cassidy Caron's Career Journey
After finishing university, Cassidy Caron joined a special program for Indigenous youth. She worked as a junior policy analyst with the Ministry of Environment. This job helped her learn about government policies.
Later, she worked with a group called Reciprocal Consulting. This group helps Indigenous communities with research and evaluating their programs. Cassidy Caron worked there for four years.
In 2018, she started her own consulting work. She focused on research that helped Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups work together. Her work covered many areas. These included Indigenous justice, women's safety, education, and health. She also worked on youth programs and economic development.
Leading Métis Youth in British Columbia
In September 2016, Cassidy Caron was chosen for a big role. She became the chairperson of the Métis Youth British Columbia. At the same time, she was the Minister for Youth of the Métis Nation British Columbia. This meant she helped represent young Métis people in the province.
Becoming President of the Métis National Council
On September 30, 2021, Cassidy Caron made history. She was elected as the president of the Métis National Council. This council is a national voice for the Métis Nation in Canada.
She is the first woman to be elected to this important role. Another woman, Audrey Poitras, had served as interim president before. But Cassidy Caron was the first to be chosen by an election. She took over from Clément Chartier, who had been president for 18 years.
In May 2024, Cassidy Caron announced she would not run for president again. Her term will end soon.
Working for Reconciliation
Cassidy Caron has played a key role in reconciliation efforts. Reconciliation means working to heal and build trust between Indigenous peoples and others. This is especially important after the harm caused by residential schools.
Meeting with the Pope
In March 2022, Cassidy Caron led a Métis group to the Vatican. This group included Métis residential school survivors and leaders. They went to meet Pope Francis. Other Indigenous groups from Canada also visited the Pope.
The Pope had invited them to talk about reconciliation. Cassidy Caron shared a message from the Métis National Council. She invited the Pope to Canada. She also outlined steps for truth, healing, and justice.
At the end of the visit, Pope Francis said he was sorry. He apologized for the actions of some Catholic Church members. These members had abused Indigenous children in residential schools. Pope Francis also agreed to visit Canada.
Meeting the Royal Family
Cassidy Caron also wanted to ask Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall for an apology. She wanted Queen Elizabeth to apologize to residential school survivors. The Queen was the head of the Anglican Church and Canada's head of state.
Prince Charles and Camilla were visiting Canada. Their visit focused partly on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Cassidy Caron's Personal Life
Education and Learning
Cassidy Caron finished high school in Rossland in 2010. She then went to Vancouver Island University. In 2014, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She studied First Nations and history. Later, in 2022, she earned a Master's degree. She studied community development at the University of Victoria.
Family Background
Cassidy Caron's family has deep roots in Métis history. Her family comes from the historic Métis communities of Batoche and St. Louis in Saskatchewan. Her grandmother, Marie Odile Boucher, was from one of the first Métis families in St. Louis.
Her grandfather, Jean-Baptist Caron, was born in Batoche. His parents' house was destroyed during the Battle of Batoche. This house was rebuilt later and is now part of the Batoche National Historic Site.
Cassidy Caron grew up in British Columbia with her mother, Anna Caron. She has a sister named Tessa. Today, Cassidy Caron lives in Ontario with her husband, Paul Robitaille. They are expecting their first child.
