Recognizing Entrepreneurial Leaders and Winners in Region III

The Region III Council of the Métis Nation of Alberta paid honor to the regions Métis entrepreneurs at the sixth annual Métis Entrepreneurial Leadership Awards held in Calgary in April. Region III Vice-President, Marlene Lanz, presented awards to the surprised and deserving recipients recognizing their hard work, dedication and achievements in business.

Master of Ceremonies, Winston Wuttunee, entertained the 175 celebrating Métis with his unique brand of humour for the evening, which began with Métis Elder, Dean Franklin, offering the Opening Prayer and Dorothy Walker singing, “Proud to be Métis (Métis National Anthem)” accompanied by Dean Malcolm. Bob Willis’s energetic narrative about Gabriel Dumont captivated the audience and earned his performance a standing ovation.

Jason Madden, General Counsel for the Métis National Council, gave the keynote address, which focused on his personal experience representing Métis hunters, Steve and Roddy Powley, before the Supreme Court of Canada in the landmark case, R.v. Powley.

Other speakers for the evening included special greetings from: Métis Nation of Alberta President, Audrey Poitras; MLA’s John Lord and Wayne Cao and Judy Daniels, from the provincial government’s department of Aboriginal Affairs.

Photos of Award Winners

Male Entrepreneurial Leader
Rod Stagg, President, Cougar Technical Services Ltd.







Female Entrepreneurial Leader
Brenda Holder, President, Mahikan Trails Inc.








Male Youth Entrepreneurial Leader
Paul Chateau, President, Calgary’s Finest Values and Savings Inc.







Female Youth Entrepreneurial Leader
Leah Nelson Guay, Senior Managing Consultant, SmartStart Business Resources Inc.








Entrepreneurial Recognition Awards
Marg Benson, President, Benson Holdings Ltd.








Entrepreneurial Recognition Awards
Alice Bissonette, Owner, 7th Heaven








Entrepreneurial Recognition Awards
Eldon Whiteford, Owner, Finishing Touch Stucco Service







Youth Entrepreneurial Recognition Award
Jason Wowk, Owner, Classic Dreamscapes









Career Development Award
Jim Fiddler, Assistant Vice President, Information Technology, First Calgary Savings