Frances ( Audrey) Chartrand

Audrey (Frances) Chartrand is a Metis woman, wife and mother from Duck Bay, Manitoba. She is in her third term as Vice-President of the Northwest Region and holds the portfolios of Minister of Health and Minister of Early Learning Child Care for our Red River Metis government. Rooted in tradition and focused on tomorrow, Frances draws upon her experience, leadership, and deep cultural knowledge to serve the Metis Nation. Her commitment to preserving Metis values while advancing opportunities for the future has earned her recognition within Metis communities both nationally and internationally.

Frances holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba. While employed with the Manitoba Metis Federation – Community Liaison Department from 1990 to 2014, she dedicated her career to providing advocacy, supports and resources for Metis families across Manitoba. Through the Lost Moccasins Project, Frances was instrumental in the efforts to facilitate the repatriation of Metis children who were placed up for adoption as a result of the Sixties Scoop. Frances is the current national representative for Manitoba Aboriginal Head Start, an early years program that focuses on the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical development of Indigenous children and their families.

Frances was instrumental in the devolution of Metis Child and Family Services in Manitoba. Based on this knowledge and experience, in 2017 she was appointed to the Manitoba Legislative Review Committee, tasked with providing review and recommendations on child welfare legislation in the province. She was also a member of the National Reference Group on Indigenous Child and Family Services Reform.

Frances’ professional commitments support gender equality by supporting women in their family roles, focusing on gendered health and wellness equality. Through her leadership and dedication related to Metis health and wellness, Frances has shared her knowledge, experience, and Métis perspectives at the provincial, national, and international levels.

In her spare time, Frances enjoys sipping on Earl Grey tea and spending quality time with her husband Charles, her children and grandchildren.