Alberta Joint Working Group on MMIWG

Mandate

The working group will support the government’s action plan by:

• advising on options to address issues of violence and the calls for justice
• making recommendations on how to work with Indigenous communities, other government and the private sector to implement the government’s final action plan
• providing input on the government’s draft action plan and final action plan

The working group will have a one-year mandate, which may be extended.

Members

The working group includes Indigenous community experts who have experience advocating for rights of women and helping women who are victims of violence.

The working group will also include Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who have a significant number of Indigenous people among their constituents and are aware of issues Indigenous peoples of Alberta face.

Suzanne Life-Yeomans

Suzanne Life-Yeomans is co-chair of the First Nations Women’s Council on Economic Security. Suzanne has more than 20 years experience working with First Nation communities. Her focus has been on ensuring First Nations Treaty and Aboriginal Rights are not infringed upon. She is a strong advocate for supporting Indigenous women to thrive in every situation. Suzanne has a Master in Business Administration, and pursues lifelong learning.

Lisa Higgerty

Lisa Higgerty is co-chair of the Métis Women’s Council on Economic Security. More than 15 years ago, Lisa started a career advocating for the victims of sexual abuse, resulting in the Mamowichihitowin, an innovative holistic program in rural Alberta unique to Canada. She has since expanded the mandate of the program to cover all types of domestic violence in west-central Alberta.

Rachelle Venne

Rachelle Venne is the CEO of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women with experience in the non-profit, corporate and government sectors. She was a member of End Poverty Edmonton’s Aboriginal Roundtable and Implementation Road Map Team and one of six Canadian NGO delegates selected to attend the UN Commission on the Status of Women in 2017.

Josie Nepinak

Josie Nepinak is the executive director of Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society, the only Indigenous urban women’s shelter in Alberta. She has a strong background supporting Indigenous women and families dealing with family violence and facing complex social issues. She has a degree in women's studies. Josie believes in a balanced approach that combines Indigenous wisdom and healing with contemporary western methodologies to promote the health and well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.

Martin Long

Martin Long was elected to represent the constituency of West Yellowhead, on April 16, 2019. He is currently a member of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services and the Standing Committee on Families and Communities. Prior to his election, he worked as an operator for Alberta Newsprint in Whitecourt for nine years.

Whitney Issik

Whitney Issik was elected as MLA for Calgary-Glenmore on April 16, 2019. She currently serves on the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and also on the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future. Prior to her election, she owned and operated a small business in Calgary for close to 30 years. She has also worked in the telecommunications and energy industries.

Tanya Fir

Tanya Fir was elected as MLA for Calgary-Peigan on April 16, 2019. She previously served as Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism. Ms. Fir holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary, with a concentration in Management of Organizations and Human Resources.

Contact

Connect with Indigenous Relations Indigenous Women’s Initiatives Section:

Phone: 780-427-2711
Fax: 780-427-4019
Email: indigenouswomensinitiatives@gov.ab.ca

Address:

20^th Floor, Commerce Place
10155 102 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4G8

News

• Making life safer for Indigenous women and girls in Alberta (March 5, 2020)