Métis Changemakers

Learn and celebrate the incredible contributions of Métis leaders who have benefited the lives of Métis citizens across the Homeland.

Rupertsland Institute, with Métis educator Megan Tipler, has developed a resource that supports K-12 educators in celebrating the incredible contributions of Métis leaders who have benefited the lives of Métis citizens across the Homeland.

Métis Changemakers

Adrian Hope Adrian Hope, born in 1903 in Morinville, Alberta, led a diverse and influential life, spanning roles from rancher to political leader.

Dr. Anne Anderson Anne Anderson-Irvine was a revered grandmother, retired nurse, teacher, and prolific author of over 90 books on Metis history, the Cree language, and oral stories.

Angelina Mercredi Metis Elder Angelina Mercredi has a legacy of community service.

Audrey Poitras Audrey Poitras, former President of the Métis Nation of Alberta, is a prominent figure in Métis politics and advocacy. Serving as president from 1996 to 2023, she became the longest-serving president in the organization's history.

Bertha Clark Jones Bertha Clark Jones, born in Clear Hills and raised in the Athabasca region, was the first president of the Native Women's Association of Canada, formed in 1974.

Brianna Lizotte Brianna Lizotte is a dedicated and resilient musician who has made a profound impact on Métis communities through her unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing their cultural traditions.

Cassidy Caron Cassidy Caron was president of the Métis National Council from 2021-2024. She prioritized fostering engagement and leadership opportunities for Métis youth.

Dr. Chester Cunningham Dr. Chester Cunningham, a dedicated humanitarian and educator, has significantly impacted Indigenous Peoples in Alberta, Canada, and globally.

Christi Belcourt Christi Belcourt is a prominent Métis artist and advocate known for her significant contributions to Indigenous art and cultural preservation.

Gabriel Dumont Gabriel Dumont, a Métis leader born in December 1837, was prominent during the decline of buffalo herds, advocating for Métis prosperity and autonomy.

Doreen Bergum Doreen, a dedicated Métis Elder and Knowledge Keeper, was born when expressing Métis culture was illegal.

Gilbert Anderson Gilbert Anderson, born in 1934, hails from a musical family deeply rooted in Metis heritage.

Harry Daniels Harry is a celebrated Métis political leader, having influenced various levels of government advocating for the rights of the Métis Nation. Harry had a key role in leading two monumental victories for Métis recognition.

Herb Belcourt Herb Belcourt, a Métis entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist, has received numerous prestigious honours, including the Order of Canada in 2010 and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (lndspire) in 2006.

Jim Brady Jim Brady, a Métis leader born in 1908, vanished in 196 7, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and leadership.

Jim Sinclair Sinclair, a founding member of the Native Council of Canada and the Métis National Council, played a crucial role in securing Métis recognition in the Canadian Constitution in 1982.

John Arcand John Arcand, born on July 19, 1942, in the bush at Big River, Saskatchewan, is known as the "Master Métis Fiddler."

Karen Collins Karen Collins, from the Elizabeth Métis Settlement, has been a key advocate for Métis rights and self-determination.

Lorne Gladu Lorne Gladu is the founding CEO of Rupertsland Institute. He emphasizes the importance of post-secondary education in empowering Métis individuals and has established numerous endowments and funding agreements to support Métis scholars.

Louis Bellerose Louis Bellerose is a Métis survivor of the Grouard Residential School. Now, he speaks about his past experiences to educate others about the horrors of the residential school system.

Louis Riel Louis Riel was a prominent Métis leader, politician, and founder of Manitoba. Born in 1844 in the Red River Settlement, he played a central role in defending Métis rights and culture against Canadian expansionist policies.

Maria Campbell Maria Campbell, born in Park Valley, Saskatchewan, is a renowned Cree-Métis writer, playwright, filmmaker, scholar, teacher, and elder.

Marilyn Dumont Marilyn Dumont, of Cree/Métis heritage, is a distinguished Canadian writer whose work reflects her cultural roots.

Muriel Stanley Venne Muriel Stanley Venne, is an advocate for human rights and Indigenous women's issues and has dedicated her life to promoting equality.

Orval Belcourt Orval Belcourt, a proud Métis leader, was a vital co-founder of the Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards, demonstrating unwavering dedication to empowering Métis youth and mature learners in pursuing their educational aspirations.

Pearl Calahasen Pearl Calahasen, the longest-serving woman in the Alberta Legislature with a tenure spanning over 23 years, made history as the first Métis woman elected in the province.

Thelma Chalifoux Thelma Chalifoux was the first Métis woman appointed to the Senate of Canada, where she advocated for Métis housing, Indigenous rights, and environmental legislation.

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Métis Changemakers

Métis Changemakers