Muriel Stanley Venne, Métis, 1937-
She has been a leader in the Aboriginal and Métis
communities of Alberta for over 30 years. Stanley Venne has an
abiding belief in the strength and spirit of Aboriginal and Métis
women – a conviction that is reflected in her long-standing
commitment to advancing their status.She has worked as a human
rights advocate and human rights commissioner, later diversifying
her focus to better understand and assist her people. Stanley
Venne served on the boards of numerous organizations, including
the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, is a lifetime
member of the Canadian Native Friendship Centre, and was founder
of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. Her
tireless work has helped to break down stereotypes, fight racism
and address the obstacles to equality for Aboriginal women, children
and families. In 1996, she spearheaded the production of a publication
on Aboriginal human rights and a booklet aimed at Aboriginal youth.
She recently established the Social Justice Award to honour individuals
who have done outstanding work for Aboriginal women. For her exceptional
record of excellence as a human rights advocate, Stanley Venne
has received numerous awards, including the Bowden Native Brotherhood
Award, the Canadian Merit Award, Métis Woman of the Year,
the 1998 Alberta Human Rights Award, the 2002 Queen’s Commemoration
Medal, the Aboriginal Role Model Lifetime Achievement Award and
in 2004, the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Justice
and Human Rights.
In 2005 Stanley Venne received the Governor General's Award in
Commemoration of the Persons Case. In June of the same year she
was named a Member of the Order of Canada. In
February 2007 she was recognized as a Woman of Vision by Global
Television. In November 2007 Canadian Ambassador McNee recognized
her work at the United Nations citing her as a “Human Rights
Defender” of the human rights issues pertaining to Aboriginal
women, children and families. On September 2008 she was elected
Vice President of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
