Overview

The Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls will use their expertise to guide government action to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus (2S+) people, and increase safety and economic security.

Council members have been recruited through a direct appointment process for 2- and 3-year terms. They are leaders, experts and advocates of violence prevention, as well as family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women and 2S+ people.

They will work with government to align policies and programs with the pathways and principles in Alberta’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Roadmap. The creation of a Premier’s Council on MMIWG was the main recommendation of Alberta’s Joint Working Group on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in their final report 113 Pathways to Justice.

Mandate

The Council will:

  • collaborate with government ministries to apply the Alberta roadmap when developing policies and programs to prevent violence and increase safety and economic security of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people
  • engage other governments, service providers, civil society and the private sector to coordinate action and use resources to prevent violence and increase the safety and economic security of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people
  • guide the development of culturally responsive tools for government ministries, agencies, boards and commissions to use when creating their legislation, policies, programs, services and initiatives
  • review and make recommendations on public awareness campaigns, education and training initiatives related to Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people and MMIWG2S+ people
  • monitor and report annually on government actions to prevent violence and increase the safety and economic security of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people

Membership

The Council consists of up to 12 members who represent a variety of First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives from urban and rural communities across the province.

Council members

  • Rachelle Venne, chair (3-year appointment)
  • April Eve Wilberg, vice-chair (3-year appointment)
  • Josie Nepinak (3-year appointment)
  • Ashleigh Cardinal (2-year appointment)
  • Cheryl Uchytil, family member (2-year appointment)
  • Kimmy Houle (2-year appointment)
  • Meeka Otway (2-year appointment)

View member biographies

Ex officio members

Four provincial government employees are appointed as ex officio members of the Council. These members will link the council to ongoing government work in the departments identified as most relevant to the National Inquiry’s Calls to Action and the Alberta Joint Working Group’s 113 Pathways.

  • Justice (2-year appointment)
  • Alberta Health (2-year appointment)
  • Indigenous Relations (3-year appointment)
  • Seniors, Community and Social Services (3-year appointment)

Recruitment and appointment

Council members are recruited through a direct appointment process for 2- and 3-year terms.

Compensation disclosure

Public sector bodies are required to post online the names and compensation paid to:

This is a requirement under the Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act. The postings are required by June 30 each year and will be maintained for 5 years. If there is nothing to disclose for that year, a Nil Report is published.