OTTAWA (July 12, 2005) --- Métis National Council President, Clément Chartier, congratulated Métis Nation of Alberta President, Audrey Poitras, on being named one of “Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People” by Alberta Venture magazine.

In its ninth annual listing, Alberta Venture identifies 50 Albertans from all walks of life who have made a significant impact and difference in the province over the last twelve months. These individuals can include politicians, academics, radical thinkers, titans in industry, and philanthropists. Other influential Albertans recognized included Ralph Klein, Premier of Alberta, Patrick Daniel, President and CEO of Enbridge Inc. and Brian Heidecker , Vice-Chair, University of Alberta Board of Governors. A copy of the full listing is available at http://www.albertaventure.com/.

President Poitras was acknowledged for her many significant social and economic advances for the Métis Nation of Alberta in her nine years at the helm. Just some of these recognized accomplishments include:

• helping negotiate and sign a historic Canada-Métis Nation Framework Agreement that will set the groundwork for negotiating the Aboriginal rights of the Métis in the province,
• signing an Interim Métis Harvesting Agreement with the Government of Alberta which recognizes the Aboriginal hunting and fishing rights of the Métis in the province,
• negotiating the purchase of a profitable drilling rig in a partnership between EnCana Corp., Lakota Drilling and the Métis Nation of Alberta;
• spearheading the development of a Métis historic site at Métis Crossing near Smoky Lake; and
• signing a $52-million agreement with Ottawa to deliver labour market programming and services to Alberta Métis.

President Chartier commented, “I think this recognition speaks to the tireless efforts and achievements of President Poitras’ and the entire Métis Nation of Alberta Provincial Council on behalf of Métis in Alberta, over the last few years. On behalf of the Métis Nation, I congratulate the leadership of the Métis Nation of Alberta on this recognition.”

“I also believe this acknowledgement speaks to the increasing overall recognition of the Métis Nation, as a distinct Aboriginal people with rights, by other governments as well as the private and public sectors. President Poitras’ accomplishments illustrate that results can be achieved when the Métis Nation is engaged and integrally involved in developing solutions for the betterment of our people and Canada as a whole,” concluded President Chartier.