Marian Gillard
Observer columnist
Tony Goulet’s history as a Métis leader goes back to Louis Riel on his father’s side.
For quite some time, I have been noticing this man and I can now share what I have learned about his life.
Tony was born April 5, 1973 to Lawrence and Connie Goulet. They still live in Quesnel.
Apart from a year or two at college in Vancouver, Tony has lived and worked in Quesnel and says he doesn’t ever want to leave.
He and his wife, Lark, were married in 2000 at St. Andrews United Church in Quesnel. They were enjoying a special day, but suddenly a storm came up and blew some siding off the building just as Tony and Lark were saying their vows.
Now, after 17-plus years, they have enjoyed raising their two sons Nick and Sam.
Tony’s interest in his heritage, as well as other cultures, began when he studied Social Studies in high school. His teacher was well versed in the history of British Columbia.
His knowledge about his heritage is passed on to his family. The Métis heritage is very important to Tony.
His father, Lawrence, has been an excellent role model.
He has shown his son the importance of hard work and respect for others.
He impressed Tony with his admonition, “Never talk back to people without a strong reason. Hold your thoughts to yourself.”
The family activities centre round the outdoors. Nick and Sam are always included in hiking, camping, fishing, etc.
A defining moment in Tony’s life was when the Métis people in Quesnel decided to become a society.
At the organizing meeting, Tony sat in the back to observe.
The lady in charge was calling for someone to become the president. Tony put up his hand and he remembers everyone turning their heads to see who it was.
Tony wasn’t well known, but soon made his mark and kept his position for 20 years.
At age 18, after showing an aptitude for numbers, Tony was encouraged to attend Trend Business College. He took a course in Business Information Management.
He then returned to Quesnel and managed a couple of gas stations. His business name is Goulet Enterprises.
For six years, he distributed Old Dutch Potato Chips and also delivered bread for Western Bakery.
I asked Tony, “What makes you a Métis?”
His father is Métis and Cree and came from High Prairie, Alberta. His mother, Connie, was born in the United States but came to Quesnel on business, met Lawrence and they married and settled here.
To keep the traditions of the Métis alive, Tony and others teach children Jigging – an energetic dance.
Tony also shares the meaning of the sash, the flag, beadwork and moccasins, as well as the history of the fur trade in Canada, in the schools.
The language of the Métis is michin, and Tony and his family are trying to learn it. So it is expected that the culture will continue for many generations.
Tony ran for School District #28 school board in 2002 and was successful in a byelection in 2003.
He kept his seat for 16 years.
He has learned much from this experience. He feels the silent voice can actually get things done behind the scenes. He just wants to make a difference in the education field.
One young man, who was involved in the jiggers, was influenced at a crucial point in his life.
He was going down the road of drugs and gangs and was on the brink of disaster until Tony showed him his worth.
Ten years later Tony met him on the street and now he has a job and a girlfriend and is still jigging.
Tony sees himself more as an advocate than a politician and expects this will be his main occupation for at least the next 10 years.
Presently, he is the executive director of the Quesnel Tillicum Society Native Friendship Centre.