Chief and Council
Leadership grounded in service, transparency, accountability, and a strong commitment to community.
Madawaska Maliseet First Nation is governed by an elected Chief and Council committed to transparency, accountability, and the long-term well-being of all members.
Our leadership is guided by the values of our Nation:
wisdom, bravery, honesty, humility, caring, respect, and acceptance.
Governance Priorities
Under the leadership of Chief and Council, MMFN has placed strong emphasis on accountable governance, community trust, policy development, self-determination, and long-term Community building. Leadership priorities continue to include the protection of inherent rights, support for community services, economic opportunity, cultural strength, and responsible stewardship of land and resources.
Chief Patricia Bernard
Patricia Bernard is a Wolastoqey woman, grandmother, lawyer, and the long-serving Chief of Madawaska Maliseet First Nation. She is widely recognized for her leadership in Indigenous governance, Aboriginal and Treaty rights advocacy, and community-driven economic development.
One of her most significant achievements was leading the historic Wolastoqey specific land claim — a complex dispute dating back over 250 years. She first submitted the claim while in her second year of law school and spent more than 25 years guiding the research, negotiations, and legal work that resulted in a settlement in 2021.
Before becoming Chief in 2013, Bernard served as a Councillor from 2007 and worked with the federal government in the Specific Claims Branch and with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. She holds degrees in Education and Law and became the first Wolastoqey woman called to the New Brunswick Bar in 2000.
Her leadership has been widely recognized: Indigenous Economic Developer of the Year Award (Cando, 2018) and appointment to the Order of New Brunswick (2019).
Councillor Donna
Wallace-Bourgeault
Donna Wallace-Bourgeault is a Wolastoqey woman born and raised on the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation. She has served as Band Administrator since 2008 and was elected as a Band Councillor in 2013, re-elected in 2015, 2019, and 2023.
Her vision is to foster economic development and create employment opportunities while enhancing programs in education, housing, and health for all members, including Elders.
Councillor
Alex Bernard
Alex Bernard serves as Infrastructure Coordinator and Councillor for the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation. Before his tenure with the Nation, he founded and operated a successful excavation and paving company for seven years.
He is also the owner of the Edmundston Fish Market and an active member of his community in music and family life. He brings a hands-on entrepreneurial spirit to infrastructure and economic development.
Councillor
Diane Pelletier
Diane Pelletier was first elected Councillor in 1999 and has remained a trusted representative since her re-election in 2009. She has served in many community roles — Tourism Facilitator, Cultural Event Planner, and NNADAP Worker.
She played a key role in founding the community's first drum group and is a passionate advocate for Wolastoqey culture, health programs, suicide prevention, and violence against women initiatives.
Councillor
Louise Ouellette
Information to be received
Past Chiefs
A gallery honouring the leaders who built the foundation of our Nation, their names, their tenure, and their legacy.