(R to L, Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan, Marlene Poitras, council member, First Nations Women’s Council on Economic Security, Sandra Sutter, Chair, Metis Women’s Council on Economic Security)
By Sheldon Spackman
The Alberta Government has named 32 newly appointed Indigenous leaders, including three from Central Alberta, to the First Nations and Metis Women’s Economic Security Councils. Officials say the two councils will provide advice and recommendations to the Government on how to improve economic security for Indigenous women and communities. Appointees represent a wide range of professional, academic, community and entrepreneurial backgrounds. One seat on each council is held by an Inuk woman, with both councils including Elders.
One of the local women include Tanya Schur from Red Deer. Schur currently serves as the executive director at the Red Deer Native Friendship Centre. She is also the owner and operator of the consulting and training business Drumocracy, where intercultural competency training and teambuilding is facilitated through rhythm circles workshops. A Blackfoot-Metis mother of two grown children, she follows the traditional teachings of the medicine wheel and is committed to Indigenous community development and the empowerment of Indigenous people. Schur holds a Master’s in Leadership Studies from Royal Roads University.
The second woman is Tina Northwest. Northwest is a contract service provider and has researched and taught for employers such as the Samson Cree Nation and the Maskwacis Cultural College. She follows traditional teachings, such as the Cree medicine wheel concept. She was involved in powwow dancing, sewing and beading until she began pursuing her degree in Indigenous Doctorate Studies at Blue Quills University. Tina also has an Indigenous Leadership & Management Certificate from the Banff Centre, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Administration and a Bachelor of Social Work.
Elsewhere, Tracy J. Lee is a senior advisor for Aboriginal Health at Alberta Health Services and is presently leading several collaborative projects that speak to the health inequities that women face. A member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation, Tracy has held various leadership positions that have allowed her to understand and address the issues and challenges that First Nations women face in the areas of health and wellness, education, employment and culture. Lee has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s in public administration.
Also of note, Heather Bishop, a tribal member of the Cold Lake First Nation, has 25 years experience in the area of Indigenous and Stakeholder engagement, environmental, legal and regulatory requirements, business strategy and social accountability considerations. Bishop graduated from Olds College with a diploma in land and resource development and a specialization in land classification and reclamation. She also has an occupational health and safety certificate from the University of Alberta. Bishop is an independent consultant currently working with Indigenous communities, industry and government to facilitate Indigenous governance, economic development, consultation, traditional land use studies and regulatory review to ensure Indigenous advancement and effective participation in the Energy Sector. Career highlights include speaking at the 2011 British Columbia Aboriginal Consultation Conference on industry and First Nations negotiations.
Officials add that Alberta has received recommendations from the 2016 councils and continues to find ways to address identified priorities. Appointments are for six or 12 months and will be up for renewal based on the Alberta government’s updated policy on recruitment to the province’s agencies, boards and commissions.
Related
