Ni’noxsola – Bryce Mercredi

Biography

Métis – Fort Chipewyan

Bryce Mercredi was the first child of 8 born to Métis parents Peggy and Xavier Mercredi in Fort Smith, NWT. His parents were both born and raised in Fort Chipewyan where they attended residential school as day students. Bryce comes from many generations of Métis who worked for the fur trade, the Hudson Bay Company and as postmaster in Fort Chipewyan on the North shore of Lake Athabasca.  Bryce’s great-great grandfather travelled with Alexander Mackenzie to the Arctic Coast and to the West Coast of British Columbia.

The Mercredi family eventually moved to Yellowknife where the children were raised. Once acquiring a Mine Technician Diploma, Bryce worked in Northern BC, New Guinea, the Yukon and finally Port Hardy where his 3 children were born. The family moved to Comox in 1985 where he and his wife still reside. They are the proud grandparents of 3.

Bryce has been involved in providing a voice for the Métis people for over 25 years including forming the Métis community North Island Métis where he served as director and vice president.

Since its formation in 2004, Bryce has remained president of the local Métis association MIKI’SIW. Through the years the MIKI’SIW has grown in numbers and has had an impact on our Aboriginal community through their charitable work and creation of weekly family oriented cultural workshops. The MIKI’SIW has been an active participant in various cultural events such as Walking With Our Sisters, Aboriginal Days, Aboriginal Graduation and has given identity to the Métis people of our community.

Bryce has been a part of the Aboriginal Education Council for over 20 years and shares his knowledge of Métis history and culture as a cultural presenter for Comox Valley Schools. He was recently presented with the Order of the Sash which is a distinct award provided by Métis leadership to honor important work by an individual.

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