Kathleen Anderson
PCMNO Regional Councillor, South West Region. Provincial Secretary for Economic Development and Government Infrastructure
I am a proud Métis woman with ancestral roots in the Desmarais, Bercier, Anderson, and Erasmus families from Red River. Although my family is from Manitoba, I have lived in Region 9 for over fifty years, and it is home.
I hold an MBA in Finance and Operations Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science, and formal training in Computer Programming and LEAN Manufacturing. I spent my career in the automotive sector, retiring as a Divisional Controller after holding leadership roles in finance, logistics, purchasing, and IT.
Before serving as the Regional Councillor, I’ve served in Métis governance for 6 years as President and Treasurer of the Thames Bluewater Métis Council. I’ve proudly advocated for Métis rights, working with local schools, hospitals, and Indigenous communities. In 2022, I was honoured to receive the Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Volunteer of the Year Award.
As Regional Councillor, I am committed to transparent leadership, good governance, and respectful communication. I believe deeply in our inherent right to self-government and in working together to strengthen our Métis community in Region 9.
Jim Tolles
Captain of the Hunt Liaison
Allo. My name is Jim Tolles. My Métis roots come from the Georgian Bay area in Region 7 (Vasseur and Longlade families). I have been involved with the Métis Nation for over 25 years, serving with the Credit River Métis Council as a councillor, senator, and traditional knowledge holder, and as Captain of the Hunt in Region 8. I now live in the South West Region and am honoured to support citizens as the Captain of the Hunt Liaison.
I have hunted, fished, and trapped my whole life and continue to teach these traditions—welcoming youth, students, and citizens to my family’s trapline near Moon River and Twelve Mile Bay, which was the first trapline entrusted to Métis from First Nations. I also share Métis skills such as dot art, knife-making, and harvesting practices at regional events, including the South West Region Rendezvous and MNO Family Camps.
Even though Region 9 is not an official harvesting area, there is still much we can do to keep our Métis Way of Life strong—growing and sharing food, learning traditional skills, supporting Elders, preserving knowledge, and teaching others. We all have something to share.
Kaitlyn Anderson-Mitchell
South West Region Youth Representative
Taanishi! My name is Kaitlyn Anderson-Mitchell, and I am the South West Region Youth Representative on the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council. I am a proud Métis woman descended from the Desmarais, Bercier, Anderson, and Erasmus families, with roots in St. Andrew’s Parish, Red River and Northern Manitoba, although I’ve lived in the South West Region all my life.
I’m passionate about Métis culture and enjoy beading, horseback riding, sewing, and reading. Before stepping into my current role, I served for six years as the Youth Representative on the Thames Bluewater Métis Council.
I look forward to supporting youth across our region, building connections, and helping create spaces where Métis youth feel seen, heard, and proud of who they are.
Lisa Boivin-Rutherford
Regional Manager, South West Region
I am a proud Métis citizen whose family lineage runs from the historic Georgian Bay Métis community with family names of Bergie, Cadeau, Brissette, and L’Hirondelle. I now live in the Niagara area with my family. I am the Regional Manager of the South West Region of the MNO, where I support the Regional Leadership Team, Community Councils, and work alongside Regional Councillor Kathleen Anderson. I hold a First-Class Honours BA in Psychology, with research focused on empathy-building and digital storytelling in the context of environmental sustainability.
In my role, I focus on strengthening governance, building meaningful partnerships, and supporting the leadership team with culturally grounded initiatives across the region. With experience in strategic planning, community coordination, and digital communications, I work to create organized, accessible systems that help our leadership team serve effectively. I am deeply committed to cultural integrity, relationship-building, and fostering spaces where community, identity, and collaboration can thrive.
South West Region Councils
The South West Region includes four Métis community councils serving citizens across southwestern Ontario. Visit each council’s page to learn more about local programs, events, and leadership.
