Michelle Laviolette is Director of Indigenous Banking at Vancity, where she leads work to advance Reconciliation through relationship-based banking, financial wellness, housing, and entrepreneur support for Indigenous members, organizations, and communities. In this role, Michelle works alongside Indigenous Nations, community partners, entrepreneurs, and internal teams to strengthen access to financial services that reflect Indigenous priorities, support economic resilience, and contribute to long-term community well-being. 

With more than 25 years at Vancity, Michelle has built deep experience in member service, community banking, and relationship development. One of the accomplishments she is especially proud of is helping open a remote community branch in Alert Bay in partnership with the ‘Namgis First Nation and the Village of Alert Bay. Her current work includes project leading the opening of Vancity’s first branch “on reserve” at Sen̓áḵw. This work reflects her belief that meaningful financial inclusion is rooted in trust, local relationships, and a willingness to design banking solutions in partnership with community. 

Michelle brings a thoughtful, collaborative, and place-based approach to her work. With distant Ojibway ancestry and family ties to the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, she is committed to listening carefully, showing up with humility, and supporting Indigenous-led solutions. Her work is grounded in the understanding that access to capital, culturally relevant financial services, and strong institutional relationships can play an important role in advancing self-determination, economic participation, and generational prosperity. 

Through her leadership, Michelle continues to support Vancity’s commitment to Reconciliation and to building banking relationships that are respectful, responsive, and aligned with the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities.