Bio

Victoria Pruden is a proud Michif Iskwew (Métis woman) and mother with deep ancestral roots in the Métis Nation. She traces her heritage to influential Métis leaders, including Cuthbert Grant and Pierre Falcon, who were friends, brother-in-laws, and leaders in the Battle of Seven Oaks. Her family was deeply involved in the Batoche Resistance, with plans for the movement taking shape at her ancestor Abraham Montour’s cabin in 1884 where a plan to return Louis Riel to Canada from Montana was launched. Born in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton), Victoria is the seventh generation of a large Métis family whose legacy includes her forefather, an HBC Chief Factor who named Edmonton.  

Victoria has dedicated much of her life and career to advocating for Métis citizens and uplifting her community, she brings a wealth of experience to her role as President of the MNC. Victoria held leadership roles with the Métis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC) in Women, Elders, Employment, Child and Family Services, and Veterans ministries, and has served her Métis community in Victoria, British Columbia as President, Vice-President, and Director for over ten years. As a strong matriarch, Victoria served as Women’s Representative of the Métis Provincial Council of MNBC. Most recently, Victoria joined the Métis National Council as Senior Director of Strategic Policy in April 2024 until she was confidently appointed Chief Executive Officer (Interim) in October 2024.  
  
In addition to raising her son, Victoria has dedicated her life to championing ethical leadership and elevating the voices of Métis women and Knowledge Holders. She is deeply committed to fostering lateral kindness, trauma-informed practices, and true reconciliation. Her advocacy focuses on ensuring Métis citizens are represented with integrity and in alignment with Métis values as we walk our paths of self-government and treaty rights. Victoria is committed to strengthening the Métis National Council during a time of change in the Métis Nation’s political landscape.   
  
“In our old days, we appointed leaders for a period of time, for a specific purpose, to see a hunt, a battle, or a task through. In that spirit, I am proud to let my name stand for this position during this period of challenge at this moment in time, knowing that all of my experiences as a Métis person, a Métis citizen, a Métis leader, and a Métis technician will come into play.” - Victoria Pruden, December 9, 2024  
  
With a strong belief in ethical principles, Victoria is dedicated to reforming the Métis National Council to meet the evolving needs of the Métis Nation. She approaches her role with gratitude, courage, warmth, and a commitment to ethical governance, transparency, and the revitalization of Métis culture and heritage for generations to come.  
  
Victoria resides on the unceded lands of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, home to the Songhees, Esquimalt, and WSÁNEĆ nations. She is honoured to serve the Métis Nation and to carry forward the vision of past leaders in the spirit of wâhkôhtowin with respect, dedication, and reform.