Membertou Chief & Council
Membertou is governed by one Chief and twelve Councillors that are elected every four years by Membertou community and band members.
Chief Terrance Paul has been elected Chief of Membertou for the past 42 consecutive years (as of 2026). The Chief and Council meet three times monthly to discuss Membertou’s development, current issues, voice the thoughts and ideas of the community members and ensure the smooth operation of its business and administration departments.
As Membertou continues to grow, Chief and Council focus on the youth of Membertou, as the future of the youth is the future of Membertou. They have strategic programs and training that stress the importance of education in the hopes that the youth of Membertou will take over senior positions and continue moving Membertou forward.
Chief Terry Paul
Chief Terrance “Terry” Paul has served as Chief and CEO of Membertou since 1984. Throughout more than four decades of leadership, he has helped guide Membertou’s transformation into one of Canada’s most successful and economically progressive Indigenous communities.
Chief Paul began his career with the Boston Indian Council, where he gained valuable experience in finance and management. Upon returning home to Membertou, he joined the Membertou Band Council as Economic Development Officer and later became Band Manager before being elected Chief.
Under Chief Paul’s leadership, Membertou has experienced significant economic and community growth. The community has expanded its land base, created new employment opportunities and made substantial investments in education, infrastructure, business development and community services.
Education has remained an important priority throughout his tenure. Membertou’s graduation rate has grown significantly over the years, and Chief Paul has been involved in major initiatives supporting Mi’kmaw education in Nova Scotia. He also helped lead one of the largest Indigenous investments in Canadian history through the acquisition of a 50% ownership stake in Clearwater Seafoods.
Chief Paul has received numerous honours recognizing his leadership and contributions to economic and community development. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017 and has received the Frank McKenna Leadership Award, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations, an honorary doctorate from Cape Breton University, and induction into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame. In 2020, he received the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award.
Under his leadership, Membertou Development Corporation has also been recognized among Canada’s Best Managed Companies.
Membertou’s motto, “Welcoming the World,” reflects the strong, progressive and welcoming community Membertou continues to build under Chief Paul’s leadership.
Craig Christmas
Craig Christmas was born and raised in Membertou and is the proud father of six children. Drawing on both his lived and learned experiences, Craig is committed to being an engaged and accessible leader for the people of Membertou.
His hands-on approach to community leadership is reflected in his many volunteer activities. Over the years, Craig has helped coordinate youth sports, supported community events, participated in the Membertou Men’s Association and represented Membertou at events throughout Nova Scotia.
An avid community hunter, Craig is also involved in the provincial Moose Management Strategy. Through this work, he is committed to ensuring Mi’kmaw treaty rights are protected, recognized and strengthened.
Craig was first elected to Membertou Council in 2016 and is currently serving his third term. His portfolios include Education, Finance, Fisheries & Natural Resources, Environmental Services, the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre and the Membertou Sport & Wellness Centre.
His goal is to help ensure Membertou remains a safe, happy and strong community for today’s members and future generations.
Dean Christmas
Dean Christmas was first elected to Membertou Council in 2000 and is currently serving his 11th term.
Since 2004, Dean has also served as a Keptin with the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, where he is honoured to represent Membertou. In 2017, he retired following a 26-year career with Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services.
Dean’s Council portfolios include the Membertou Church and the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.
Through his work on Council, Dean continues to advocate for increased housing and employment opportunities, as well as greater opportunities for Membertou’s youth and future generations.
Gail Christmas
Gail Christmas was first elected to Membertou Council in 2016 and began her third term in 2024.
As a Membertou Councillor, Gail is responsible for the Gaming, Health and Housing portfolios.
Gail is committed to staying connected with community members and ensuring their concerns, ideas and perspectives are represented at the Council table. She is also passionate about supporting Membertou youth and regularly takes on mentorship roles.
Her commitment to community extends beyond Council through her involvement with numerous committees and organizations within Membertou and beyond.
MaryI Joe
MaryI Joe-Francis was born and raised in Membertou, a community she is proud to call home. She is a devoted mother of four and kiju to one grandchild, with her family continuing to grow their roots in Membertou.
MaryI is deeply committed to supporting families and strengthening the community for future generations. An active volunteer and passionate community advocate, she is particularly interested in food security, healthy child development and supporting strong, healthy families.
MaryI was elected to Membertou Council for her first term in 2024. Her Council portfolios include Education and Corporate.
Through her role on Council, MaryI continues to advocate for positive growth, opportunity and meaningful support for Membertou community members.
Darrell Westley Bernard
Darrell Westley Bernard was elected to Membertou Council in 2024 and is currently serving his first term. A Membertou community member, Darrell is married with five children.
Darrell brings extensive professional experience in environment, health and safety to his role on Council. He spent 20 years working in commercial construction and also operates a snow removal business during the winter months.
Committed to continued professional development, Darrell is currently working toward an Indigenous Leadership Certification through AFOA.
His Council portfolios include Circle of Care, Social, Human Resources, Gaming and the Data Centre.
Johanna LaPorte
Johanna LaPorte was first elected to Membertou Council in 2002 and is currently serving her 10th term.
Johanna dedicated her career to serving the Membertou community and recently retired following 33 years with the Membertou Band Office. Her extensive experience and knowledge of the community continue to inform her work as a Councillor.
Her Council portfolios include the Membertou Entertainment Centre, Quality Assurance, Geomatics and Training, including METS, STAIRS and Post-Secondary Education.
Paul MacDonald
Paul MacDonald was first elected to Membertou Council in 2010 and is currently serving his sixth term. He is proud to serve the community and contribute to Membertou’s continued growth.
Outside of Council, Paul is an entrepreneur and skilled tradesperson. Along with his business partner, Kirk Christmas, he established Belly Busters Pizza & Donair. Paul has also worked as an electrician since 2006.
His Council portfolios include Housing and Membertou Public Works.
Paul is particularly focused on increasing the availability of housing and reducing the number of community members waiting for homes. He also hopes to see more Membertou community members pursue education and training that will lead to employment opportunities throughout the community.
David Marshall
David Marshall has served on Membertou Council for 38 years, providing decades of dedicated leadership and service to the community.
Throughout his time on Council, David has been a strong and steady voice for Membertou and has contributed to the community’s continued growth and development.
His Council portfolios include Housing and the Salary Review Committee.
Paul Bradley Gould
Paul B. Gould, son of Lee Gould and Terry Marshall, was first elected to Membertou Council in 2024 and is currently serving his first term.
A Red Seal carpenter since 2017, Paul has a strong history of community involvement and was recognized as Membertou’s Citizen of the Year in 2023.
Paul is particularly passionate about supporting Membertou youth. He serves as coordinator of the Membertou Youth Chief and Council program and has volunteered extensively as a community T-ball coach. He also helps organize and support youth hunts and other cultural activities within the community.
His Council portfolios include Finance, Governance, Public Works and the Membertou Sport & Wellness Centre.
Paul approaches his role on Council with a simple motto: “Lead by Example.”
Allister “Buster” Matthews
Buster Matthews was first elected to Membertou Council in 1984 at the age of 28. Since then, he has dedicated decades to serving the community and has been elected to Council for 18 terms.
His long-standing service has allowed him to contribute to Membertou through many periods of significant growth and change.
Buster’s Council portfolios include Housing and the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.
Storm Sack
Storm was first elected to Membertou Council in 2020 and is currently serving his second term.
With a strong connection to Membertou’s youth, Storm brings a collaborative and inclusive perspective to the Council table. He is committed to ensuring younger generations have a voice in the community and opportunities to contribute to Membertou’s future.
Storm’s Council portfolios include the Executive Committee, Governance, Fisheries & Natural Resources and the Membertou Sport & Wellness Centre.
Lawrence “Quism” Paul Jr.
Quism has dedicated much of his career to serving the Membertou community. He currently serves as Assistant to the Director of the Membertou Housing Department. Prior to joining Housing, he spent 20 years working with the Membertou Natural Resources Department.
Quism also brings more than two decades of experience on Membertou Council, having served eight two-year terms followed by three four-year terms.
His Council portfolios include the Membertou Church, Police and the Membertou Market.
Quism is committed to advocating for education and cultural growth while supporting continued development in housing, business and infrastructure throughout Membertou.