“Fierce” Defender of Métis Rights Passes
It is with great sadness that I learned that we have lost Alma Adams, another great fighter for Métis rights.
Alma was part of a long line of Métis commercial fishing families that have lived and relied on Lake Nipigon for generations. Her family continues to live in well-known Métis settlement of McDiarmid today – living off the land through hunting, fishing and trapping.
Throughout her life, Alma proudly carried on her family’s long and proud tradition of representing the Métis Nation and defending Métis rights. Her mother, MNO Senator Edith McLeod, was well-known for her “feistiness” and steadfast commitment to the Métis Nation during the MNO’s early years. Alma’s brother, Larry Desmeules, was the well-regarded President of the Métis Nation of Alberta for over a decade. Alma served as the Regional Councillor for Region 2 on the Provisional Council of MNO (PCMNO) during the MNO’s early years. She was a strong Métis voice that never backed down and a role model for many. After serving on the PCMNO, Alma turned her attention to advancing Métis women’s issues as well as continuing to push to ensure Métis commercial fishers received proper respect and recognition. Even while she was sick, Alma recently shared her vast knowledge and stories about the Métis around Lake Nipigon for a MNO traditional knowledge study.
On behalf of the MNO, I offer condolences to her husband Gerry, her children Melissa and Eli as well as her extended family. She will truly be missed by many, but her life, spirit and contributions to the Métis Nation will live on.
Gary Lipinski
President
Métis Nation of Ontario