Muriel Stanley Venne, a formidable advocate for Indigenous rights and a pioneering figure in the Métis community, passed away at the age of 87. Born in Lamont, Alberta, Venne dedicated her life to championing the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples, particularly Métis women. Her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment transformed advocacy into tangible action, leaving an enduring legacy of positive change across various sectors, including employment, education, and justice. Venne’s impact resonated deeply within her community and beyond, inspiring generations of activists and shaping the landscape of Indigenous rights in Canada. Her life’s work stands as a testament to her resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to social justice.
Venne’s career was marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements. She served as one of the first appointees to Alberta’s Human Rights Commission in 1973, later ascending to the position of chair. Recognizing the specific needs and challenges faced by Métis women, she founded the Women of the Métis Nation (also known as Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak) and Esquao, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. These organizations provided crucial platforms for advocacy, empowerment, and community building. Venne also played a vital role within the Métis Nation of Alberta, developing essential programming and serving as provincial vice president from 2008 to 2012. Her contributions to the Métis community were transformative, strengthening its internal structures and amplifying its voice on the national stage.
Venne’s advocacy extended beyond the specific concerns of the Métis community to encompass broader issues of Indigenous rights and social justice. She was a vocal advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, playing a pivotal role in pushing for systemic change within the justice system. Her advocacy in the case of Cindy Gladue, an Indigenous woman whose death in 2011 sparked national outrage, highlighted the pervasive discrimination and mistreatment faced by Indigenous women within the criminal justice system. Venne’s tireless efforts helped bring this critical issue to the forefront, forcing a national conversation about systemic racism and the need for meaningful reform. Her work in this area profoundly influenced Canadian law and the criminal justice system’s response to violence against Indigenous women.
Venne’s contributions were widely recognized and celebrated throughout her life. In a historic first, the Alberta government named a provincial building in Edmonton after her in 2017, marking the first time such an honor was bestowed upon an Indigenous woman in the province. She received the Alberta Human Rights Award in 1998 and became the first Métis person to be appointed to the Order of Canada in 2005. In 2019, she was further honored with induction into Alberta’s Order of Excellence. These accolades reflect the profound impact Venne had on Canadian society and her unwavering commitment to advancing human rights and social justice.
The outpouring of grief and tributes following Venne’s passing underscores the profound impact she had on her community and the nation. The Women of the Métis Nation described her as an inspiration to countless Indigenous women, highlighting her courage, determination, and unwavering dedication to justice. Melanie Omeniho, president of the Women of the Métis Nation, emphasized Venne’s enduring legacy, stating that her presence would be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. The Métis Nation of Alberta lauded her transformative leadership, recognizing her pivotal role in advancing the rights and well-being of Métis people. Political figures, including Alberta’s Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson and former NDP leader Brian Mason, also paid tribute to Venne’s remarkable contributions, acknowledging her profound impact on the province and the nation.
Muriel Stanley Venne’s life and work serve as a powerful testament to the transformative power of advocacy and the enduring importance of fighting for social justice. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of activists and advocates to strive for a more just and equitable society. Her unwavering commitment to the rights of Indigenous peoples, particularly Métis women, has left an indelible mark on Canada, shaping the landscape of human rights and paving the way for a more inclusive future. Venne’s story is a reminder that one person’s dedication and unwavering belief in justice can indeed make a profound difference in the world.
