Métis Women's Council on Economic Security
Ebach, Sandra
Sandra Ebach has extensive experience in front-line service delivery in the mental health and addictions field, as well as in physical disabilities supports. Previously, she held the position of secretary for a local Métis board in her hometown. Sandra has a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge, which she earned later in life.
Currently, she serves on a local committee, teaching children about inclusion, acceptance and the importance of creating opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute to their community.
Picotte, Millie Ann
Millie Ann Picotte is a Registered Nurse who works in community health at Maskwacis Health, serving Ermineskin, Montana, Louis Bull and Samson Nations.
With a background as an assistant lecturer with the University of Alberta’s After Degree Nursing program, Millie has worked extensively in rural hospitals, chronic disease management and diabetes education.
Millie is committed to preserving her culture and serving the Métis community by being an active participant in many organizations, including the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Bell, Jeanien
Jeanien Bell is Inuk and Qallunaat, raised on the land, ice and water in the traditional territories of the Innu First Nation and Nunatsiavumiut Inuit. Jeanien is fortunate to have been immersed in the land-based, community centred ways of her ancestors. Guided by Inuit Maligait and Qaujimajatuqangit principles, relationships formed with the land, and the experience, knowledge and skills acquired through traditional teachings, which motivates and inspires her life’s work.
She is AngajukKâk of the Inuit Edmontonmiut Community, co-director and co-founder of the Inuit Community Development and Education Foundation and Chair of Indigenous Studies at NorQuest College. Jeanien uses her experience of walking in two worlds to serve Indigenous communities, providing support, guidance and direction to others so they may uplift their families and communities: ensuring an increasingly just and equitable future for all.
Weber, Lisa
Lisa Weber received her law degree from the University of Alberta in 1999 and her Master of Laws degree from the University of Manitoba in 2005. A lawyer for more than 20 years, Lisa is an active, practicing member of the Alberta bar, as well as a member of the law societies of both British Columbia and Manitoba. Prior to establishing her law firm, Lisa was registrar of the Metis Settlements Land Registry where she managed membership and land on behalf of the Settlements. Lisa went on to be appointed vice-chair of the Metis Settlements Appeal Tribunal where she promoted self-governance and good relations among the Metis Settlements through adjudication, mediation and education. In her law practice, Lisa worked for more than 10 years with former students of Indian Residential Schools in western Canada and the Northwest Territories. In 2016, Lisa became a roster lawyer with Alberta’s Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, representing children in court proceedings. She has been involved in precedent-setting legal cases, including R. v. Barton, about the death of Cindy Gladue. Lisa participated in the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls as legal counsel, attending hearings across the country and advocating for Indigenous women. Lisa is Métis with kinship connections to the northern communities of Calling Lake and Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement. She has five children and five grandchildren. Lisa enjoys spending her free time with family at the lake, gardening and riding horses.
Bourque, Sharon
Sharon Bourque is passionate about serving the community and is a citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta where she currently works as Director of Justice. Sharon is a retired police officer and teacher with experience serving on numerous boards and committees over the years. Sharon has a Master of Education, Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies and Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. She believes in the power of relationships and that bringing people together can create change.
Poitras-Oster, Dayle
Dr. Dayle Poitras-Oster is a veterinarian with a special interest in rural animal medicine. After graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021, Dayle worked as a veterinarian before accepting a teaching position at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Growing up in rural Alberta, Dayle loved horses and became interested in the cattle industry, which led to her studies in veterinary medicine. She is a strong advocate for Indigenous women in STEM, and a proud supporter of the Métis Nation of Alberta. She currently sits on the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association Equity Diversity and Inclusion advisory panel and the University of Calgary Sokinaksinii committee. She was an Indigenous peer mentor at Augustana University where she established the Indigenous Student Body Representative for the Western College of Veterinarian Medicine. Dayle received a 2022 Esquao Award and a 2023 Alberta Council for Global Cooperation 30 Under 30 award. She is featured on APTN’s show Wild Rose Vet released in May 2022. In her spare time, Dr. Poitras-Oster loves fishing, riding horses, camping and playing crib with her family.