Pioneering Métis human rights advocate Muriel Stanley Venne dies at 87

Muriel Stanley Venne, a pioneering Métis woman renowned for her tireless advocacy for Indigenous rights, has passed away at the age of 87. Venne, originally from Lamont, Alberta, made significant contributions to the advancement of Indigenous rights throughout her lifetime.

One of Venne’s notable achievements was being among the first individuals appointed to Alberta’s Human Rights Commission in 1973, where she later assumed the role of chair. She went on to establish the Women of the Métis Nation and Esquao, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. Additionally, she developed programming for the Métis Nation of Alberta and served as provincial vice president from 2008 to 2012.

The Métis Nation of Alberta paid tribute to Venne, acknowledging her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Métis and other Indigenous peoples. Through her leadership, Venne catalyzed tangible change in areas such as employment, education, and justice.

In 2017, Venne received a significant honor when a provincial government building in Edmonton was named after her. This marked the first time that an Indigenous woman in Alberta had a provincial building named in her honor.

Venne’s advocacy work extended to issues affecting Indigenous women, including the case of Cindy Gladue, a victim of violence whose tragic story sparked outrage and highlighted systemic injustices within the justice system. Venne’s efforts to bring attention to cases like Gladue’s significantly influenced how Canadian law and the criminal justice system address violence against Indigenous women.

Melanie Omeniho, president of the Women of the Métis Nation, expressed that Venne’s legacy will endure for generations to come. She described Venne as a remarkable individual whose impact on Indigenous rights advocacy will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Throughout her lifetime, Venne received numerous accolades for her work, including the Alberta Human Rights Award in 1998, the Order of Canada in 2005 (the first Métis recipient), and the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2019. Alberta Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson noted that Venne’s passing represents a significant loss for the province, as she leaves behind a lasting legacy of advocating for the rights of Indigenous women and people.

Venne’s political involvement included running as an NDP candidate in the 2012 provincial election. The NDP party honored Venne’s memory on social media, highlighting her inspirational leadership and profound impact on the lives of many. Former NDP leader Brian Mason praised Venne for her extensive list of accomplishments and awards, underscoring the profound difference she made in the lives of those she touched.