Audrey Poitras (left) with MNO President Gary Lipinski
(centre) and MNO Chair France Picotte (right) in August
2010, signing the Memorandum of Understanding between
the MNO and the MNA.November 23, 2010 (Ottawa, ON) –– On behalf of Ontario Métis, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) President Gary Lipinski, congratulated Audrey Poitras for being selected to receive a 2011 National Aboriginal Achievement Award.
The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation created the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in 1993, in conjunction with the United Nation’s International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The Awards recognize the outstanding career achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, in diverse occupations.
Audrey, as the President of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), has been selected to receive the award for political service. Audrey was elected as the first female President of the MNA in 1996. Since then, she has been re-elected by Alberta Métis for four consecutive terms as MNA President. As MNA President, she has advanced the interests and rights of Alberta Métis as well as the Métis Nation as a whole. A full biography on Audrey and her achievement are available at www.naaf.ca.
MNO President Gary Lipinski said, “Over her years of dedicated service to the Métis Nation, Audrey has been a shining example of Métis leadership with integrity and credibility. She is a role model for many and is known for unwavering commitment to advancing the interests and rights of the Métis in Alberta and the entire Métis Nation. This award could not go to a more deserving Métis citizen.”
In August 2010, President Lipinski and President Poitras signed MOU in order for the MNO and MNA to strengthen the relationship between Ontario and Alberta Métis as well as to share best practices between the MNA and MNO in order to benefit Métis in both provinces.