Amie Therrien is Métis and was born and raised in Penetanguishene. Her root ancestors are Edmond Brissette, Pierre Gendron, and Josette-Rosette Cloutier. Amie is now based in Tkaronto and is grateful to the TYRMC for the cultural and community connection they provide. 

Amie’s training and background is in working as a civil engineer but she took a different path ten years ago when she started to work in the music industry. She founded a boutique music management company working with folk, roots, and Americana artists. She also ran programming for Folk Alliance International and served on the boards of Folk Music Ontario and Music Managers Forum Canada, in both Secretary and President roles. 

Amie is currently the executive director of Music Managers Forum Canada and leads the team supporting managers and self-managed artists with professional development, mentorship, networking opportunities, export missions and advocacy. 

Amie enjoys kayaking, cycling, meditating, journaling, and newfound hobby of jigsaw puzzling. She is also continuing her beading adventures started from workshops organized by TYRMC. Follow her on Instagram @balsampier. 

Taanishi – Hello, I am very proud to continue to serve on Council. I was originally
elected as a Councillor in the previous election cycle and then appointed mid-term as
Chair when that position became vacant. In this 2025 election I was acclaimed to the
Chair position. I believe that my experience in many different communities has proven
to be valuable for working collaboratively with the Toronto and York Region Métis and
Indigenous communities in general through cultural events, community support,
education, and participation with the MNO to build reciprocal relationships in the spirit of
reconciliation.

I trace my Métis lineage through the Jean Baptiste Trudeau and the Trudeau-
Papanaatyhianecoe Family Line of Drummond Island. My extended family have settled
the Midland and Penetanguishene area for multiple generations. My parents moved to
York Region in the early 1970’s and I have remained in York Region since then. My wife
and I currently reside in Vaughan with our three children.  I am 56 years of age and
retired from the Toronto Police Service, having served for over 34 years.  I am currently
working in a second career directly with the Government of Ontario, Ministry of the
Solicitor General.

From my career experiences working in areas of Toronto with significant Indigenous
demographics, I have gained different and unique perspectives of the Indigenous
community, having both insight and understanding of daily struggles and hardships, as
well as appreciation for the positive contributions of Indigenous individuals and the
overall Indigenous community.

Tanya La Rush lives with her family in Toronto and still has family who live in Penetanguishene
and surrounding area. She started her journey of Métis family discovery over two decades ago
and continues to learn and factualize ancestral history passed down to her and her siblings by
storytelling. With modern technologies and resources, she’s been able to assist other family
members with tracing and plotting family history as well as becoming citizens of the Métis
Nation of Ontario and members of their respective regional councils.

Tanya is active in her home community and labour union community and understands the core
values of what it means to be Métis and how important it is to keep the arts, stories and
language alive for generations beyond.

Trevor Cameron is a multiple award winning TV writer, director, story editor, performer and producer.

Besides two wins and four nominations at the Gemini Awards, Best Animation at the American Indian Film Festival, and the Golden Sheaf Award, Trevor also won the prestigious Bell Media/WGC Diverse writers workshop, and was given top jury prize at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival.

Trevor’s first feature, “Shadow of Dumont”, about his relationship with his Metis roots and Gabriel Dumont was an official selection for ImagineNATIVE Film Festival in 2020 and is currently streamable nationally through CityTV.

Trevor is a Métis from a mixed family. He is based in Toronto, and can’t bead, but knows people who can.

Hello everyone,

I’m proud and excited to step into my new role as a Councillor with the Toronto York Region Metis Council (TYRMC). As someone deeply committed to community engagement, I’m looking forward to contributing directly to events that celebrate our history, foster education, and build stronger local support networks.

I am a full-time professional artist and have served as the Executive Director of the West Toronto Photography Group (WTPG) since 2011. WTPG is an Indigenous-led, not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Toronto residents through arts programming, social events, and food security initiatives.

Our programming currently serves communities in Weston, South Toronto, and Etobicoke, with exciting plans to launch a new office and programming hub in Regent Park in late 2025. I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces that allow all members of our city to express themselves, grow, and connect.

I look forward to collaborating with you all and making a positive impact together.

Warm regards,
Phillip Aaron Sutherland
TYRMC Councillor | Executive Director, West Toronto Photography Group