The administrative head quarters of MAPC is located in Truro, Nova Scotia. However, as a result our work and our structure, each of the Member Councils through their elected Chiefs and with MAPC deployed staff or experts working on specific regional projects or initiatives, provide MAPC a contact office within each of the three Maritime Provinces.
The daily administration of MAPC is the responsibility of the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, who also has the role of Secretary to the Leaders Congress, and Designated Delegate on behalf of MAPC and the Member Councils to national and international venues.
In addition for some national and international venues on specific subjects, the MAPC Designated Delegate has been requested to attend, make general commentary and report back on proceedings and results on behalf of the Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.
Native Council of Nova Scotia
Chief & President Lorraine Augustine
Chief and President Lorraine Augustine is a proud Mi’kmaq mother of two sons. Lorraine has lived off reserve all her life. She has previously served two terms as the Chief and President of the Native Council of Nova Scotia, and as the Executive Director of the Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start Program.
Chief Augustine has over 20 years of experience in economic development, business development, administration, negotiations, proposal development, human resources and political advocacy.
Chief Augustine has also participated on several Federal and Provincial Boards and Committees. She has made formal presentations to both levels of Government, including Standing Committees and Senate Committees.
Chief Augustine remains committed to devoting her energies to realize in practical terms the Rights of the Off-Reserve 91(24) Indians, Aboriginal/Mi’kmaq People as Rights Holders and Beneficiaries of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. Lorraine remains committed to expanding existing programs and services, and negotiate new ones with all levels of government to improve the social situation of the off-reserve forgotten Indian. Through reconciliation, we can advance the reality of our off-reserve Mi’kmaq People who continue on their Traditional Ancestral Homeland throughout Nova Scotia.
New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council
Chief & President Barry Labillois
Barry LaBillois is Mi’kmaq who continues to live on his Traditional Ancestral homeland off the Indian Act reserve system. As a lifetime supporter of the off-reserve Aboriginal peoples, he has dedicated time and effort to the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council. Barry LaBillois has worked with the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council in many different capacities. Barry LaBillois has worked at the local level, with the Board of Directors, he has served on the Membership Committee and several committees at the National level.
In recognition of his work and dedication to the Council, Barry LaBillois was honoured with the distinction of being voted a Lifetime Member in the summer of 2016.
Beyond his work with the council, he was also the Treaty Implementation Management Beneficiary Entitlement Regime Program manager (TIMBER), and worked alongside the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy Program. Barry LaBillois is looking forward to working for the off-reserve Aboriginal Peoples in his elected capacity as President and Chief and will bring your issues and concerns to the appropriate levels of government.
Native Council of Prince Edward Island
Chief & President Lisa Cooper
Lisa Cooper was born in Manchester, New Hampshire in the United States. Her mother was originally from the Mi’kmaq Nation from Lennox Island, PEI. Lisa’s family returned to their mother’s birth place to make their home in Epekwitk (PEI) in 1975.
Lisa has served in numerous different positions within the Council since becoming a member. Lisa was elected as the Zone 2 representative in September of 2008. Lisa brings with her an extensive education, holding Diplomas in both Legal Secretary and Public Administration. As well, Lisa possesses a Bachelor of Arts Degree – Major in Political Science and Minor in Economics, a Bachelor of Education Degree – Specialization in Indigenous Studies – teaching senior high years (Grade 10 – 12) and a Masters in Education from UPEI.
Lisa was a valuable volunteer serving as a role model, mentor and chaperone to the Aboriginal Youth of Prince Edward Island, volunteering her time at weekly Thursday night Drum Group, Youth Socials, and most of all youth related events. Lisa has volunteered on behalf of the Organization to present Cultural Education to outside Organizations and groups. Lisa has written numerous successful proposals and has volunteered at numerous NCPEI events.
Prior to becoming the new Elected President and Chief of the Native Council of PEI, Lisa was the Director of Operations from 2011 to 2014 and served as the President and Chief (Interim) in the early winter of 2015. Lisa currently resides in Charlottetown, PEI and is a proud mother of three (3) sons and one (1) daughter.