Meet the MNOWC Council
The Métis Nation of Ontario Women's Council consists of the following group of elected volunteers.
Samantha Loney
President
President Loney currently resides in Region 7 of the Métis Nation of Ontario, but her ancestral community is in Region 5 from the McGregor-Riel and Laronde family. She spent her childhood summers visiting her family in Espanola berry picking and visiting her Aunties listening to stories of their families wild kitchen parties and journey from the ‘Soo’ to Espanola where they lived in a chicken coop. These stories along with the ones of her mother growing up in a home of domestic violence, have taught her the compassion and empathy needed to lead with a
trauma informed approach, that is imperative for leadership in an Indigenous community.
Samantha grew up in the City of Barrie, where she currently lives and sits on the Barrie South Simcoe Métis Council as a Councilor. She also sits on the municipalities Heritage Barrie Committee as a citizen representative, assuring the Métis diaspora living in Barrie is recognized and have their needs met. She is proud to have been part of the soon to be reinstalled ‘Nine Mile Portage’ signage that recognizes Indigenous Peoples and fur traders transportation route during the fur trade.
Appointed by the MNOWC to serve in the role of President in February of 2026, President Loney leads with a community first approach and values collaboration and transparency with leadership across the MNO and it’s citizens.
For her day job, she hosts the Travelling Métis Podcast and is a writer for the APTN/CBC children’s series Stevie and the Sacred Animals.
Tina Jameson
Elder
I am proud to serve as the Métis Nation of Ontario Women's Council (MNOWC) Elder for just over a year, offering guidance, opening and closing prayers, and supporting Métis women through community, culture, and connection.
Alongside my role as an Elder, I am a Holistic Health Practitioner and passionate about supporting the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. I believe in a whole-person approach to wellness and enjoy helping others find balance through natural and holistic practices.
A lifelong lover of nature, I find peace and inspiration in the forests, lakes, and wildlife of Ontario. Whether harvesting meat and traditional plants, creating beadwork, or simply spending time outdoors, I feel a deep connection to the land and the teachings it offers.
Nicole Tetreault-Busniuk
Region 2 Women's Representative
My name is Nicole Tetreault Busniuk and I recently joined the MNOWC Council as the new Region 2 Women’s Representative in May 2026. I am proud to be Métis and grateful for the opportunity to become more involved within the community, learn from others, and support the important work being done through the MNOWC.
Although I am new to this role, I am passionate about creating connections, supporting our women’s voices, and advocacy. I look forward to meeting and working alongside everyone while growing in this journey together.
June Smart
June was born in Shilo, MB. Her grandparents were part of the Manitoba Métis Federation as are most of her family members. In 1991 June became a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta and in 2003 she became a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. She serves on the MNOWC as Region 4 Women’s Rep and holds the position of Chair. She also serves on the North Channel Métis Council and holds the position of Chair. June has proudly served on both Councils for the past several years. She is a Veteran of 36 years and has close ties with the MNO Veteran’s Council and continues to assist Veterans when possible. June’s desire is to work on behalf of all Métis women in Region 4 and empower them to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives; whether that be physical and mental health wellbeing, cultural connection, family well-being, education, economic security, community involvement and safety from violence.
She feels the need to invest in each and every woman, allowing them to spread their wings in strength & safety as individuals and as a community of women. June is dedicated to the cause of connecting women to various programs and services, to help organize workshops that connect us to our heritage, to keep women informed of the myriads of issues and opportunities available to them. She looks forward to connecting with you.
Rebecca Toman
Region 6 Women's Representative
mnowcregion6rt@gmail.com
My name is Rebecca Toman and I am a mother and grandmother dedicated to making positive changes for future generations. With my diverse educational and professional background I am focused on fairness, transparency, and sharing information to help women in our Region. I was born and raised in Thunder Bay, ON and spent a lot of time with my mother and grandparents learning about their traditions and stories from not only Thunder Bay but also Rossport, ON and Ste. Anne, MB. Outside of work, my time is spent with my family, researching and writing, and learning to bead.
My volunteer work with the MNOWC has included:
- MNOWC Métis Matriarch Newsletter
- MNOWC Surveys and Research
- MNOWC Website
- Other organizational assistance
Luanne Cunningham
Region 8 Women's Representative
My name is Luanne Cunningham, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunty born and raised in Alberta. My family comes from the historical Métis community of Lac Ste. Anne. My family names are Letendre, Laroque, and Gray. I have three incredible daughters and four amazing grandchildren. I have lived in my adoptive home of Toronto for decades. I am the Region 8 Women"s Representative on the MNOWC serving the many amazing women in our area and the province.
Vacant
Region 3 Women's Representative
Kim Sanftenberg
Region 5 Women's Representative mnowcregion5kim@gmail.com
Kim Sanftenberg, serving as the Region 5 Women's Representative for Sudbury, North Bay, and Mattawa, has a rich family history rooted in the Ottawa Valley Fur Trade, with roots in the McGregor/Riel Family from the Mattawa/Nipissing area, family names include Deschamps, Beaudry, and McGregor. Her family's transition from fur trade prominence in the 1890s to agriculture and lumber, culminating in a move to Sudbury in the early 1900s, reflects her deep connection to the region. Currently, she is the RWR for Region 5, as well as the Community Council Women's Representative with the Sudbury Métis Council, and a member on the Indigenous Health Advisory Council at Health Sciences North, advocating for Métis voices within healthcare.
Her active involvement on the MNOWC includes serving as Treasurer, participating in committees focused on governance, funding, women’s recognition, and Indigenous advisory work, all dedicated to advancing Métis-led initiatives and ensuring Indigenous women’s voices are heard and prioritized across shared community efforts.
Suzanne Fraser
Region 7 Women's Representative
My name is Suzanne Fraser nee Marion. I have been a citizen of the MNO since 1997. I was born, raised in Penetanguishene and have lived locally my entire life. I am a descendent of root ancestors Laramee-Cloutier who were relocated to Penetanguishene from Drummond Island in 1828. I married Kenneth Fraser who was also Metis, descendent of Trudeau- Papanaathianencoe root ancestors who also
relocated from Drummond Island. We had two children and three grandchildren. I am a retired RN with 39 years service with the Penetang Mental Health Center. I have remained active since my retirement, volunteering with the following services:
● Georgian Bay General Hospital
● Georgian Bay Cancer Support Center
● Member of the North Simcoe Muskoka Indigenous Health Circle
● Secretary for Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle
● I have been the Georgian Bay Metis Council Women’s Representative since November 2022 and acclaimed in May 2026
● I was elected the MNOWC Region 7 Representative in August 2024
Pandora Wilhelm
Region 9 Women's Representative
Pandora Wilhelm is a proud Métis woman originally from Severn Falls and now living in Linwood, Ontario. She is a mother of six, community advocate, and musician with a passion for strengthening Métis culture, supporting women and families, and creating meaningful connections through community.
With over 15 years of experience serving Indigenous communities, Pandora is dedicated to building welcoming spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered while helping preserve and celebrate Métis traditions for future generations.