The new Interim National Vice-Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal People and the Chief of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council for the past 13 years is Ms. Betty Ann Lavallée, CD.(RTD), a status off-reserve Mi’kmaq woman who has worked all her adult life in non-traditional roles.  Ms. Lavallée had also completed a term as the Vice-Chief of the NBAPC prior to being elected Chief in August of 1997.  Ms. Lavallée has an extensive background in administration, transportation, business, and leadership management and has been active on numerous Boards as a Director, both Provincially and Nationally, and Committees that have dealt with Aboriginal Issues such as Fisheries, Housing, Education, Employment and Training, Economic Development and Health.

Ms. Lavallée was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for approximately 17 years, where she was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration and Commendation Formation Level and the Queen’s 50th Anniversary Jubilee Medal.  Ms. Lavallée grew up in the military community of Oromocto, New Brunswick.  Joining first as a reservist with 1 RNBR, Fredericton, then transferred over to the Regular Forces in 1980, where she was posted to Base Transportation Company, CFB Gagetown, in August immediately following her recruit and basic training.  Ms. Lavallée remained at CFB Gagetown until August of 1988 when she was posted to 2 SVC BN, Special Service Force at CFB Petawawa, Ontario.  In 1993, she was transferred back to CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick where she remained with the Technical Services Branch, Transportation Company until her retirement in April of 1996 when she left to take on the job of Economic Development Officer for Wabanaki Enterprises Inc., an off-reserve Economic Development Corporation

Ms. Lavallée is the daughter of John(Jack) and Rhoda Bernard of Geary, New Brunswick.  She is married to Battery Sergeant Major J. S. Michael Lavallée, CD2 who is currently serving at 67(Depot) BTY, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School at CFB Gagetown .  They have a 32 year old son, Sgt. Trevor Lavallée, CD (RCR), 1 PL Training Co. Parachute Instructor, Canadian Advance Warfare Center, CFB Trenton.  She is the proud grandmother of 3 year old, Kaden John William Lavallée and 2 year old, Ethan Michael Brian Lavallee.

Ms. Lavallée has a keen interest in Aboriginal Issues as well as Domestic and International politics.  She is a stanch advocate for employment for women in non-traditional roles and very protective of inherent rights for the Off-Reserve Aboriginal People of Canada.