Honouring the Heartbeat: Celebrating Métis Women Leading the Way

The heartbeat of the Métis Nation has always been its women. Across generations, Métis women have shaped our families, communities, and future. Today, Métis women and girls are everywhere—breaking barriers, building bridges, and leading the way in every field imaginable. Their resilience, tenacity, and vision inspire us all.

This article is a celebration and a thank you to the women who lead, create, teach, heal, innovate, and dream. Your presence and achievements lift us all.

A Family Story of Strength

When I think of Métis women’s determination, my own family’s story comes to mind. My great-great-great-great-grandmother, Catherine Petite Deroucher, was one of the original Edmonton Stragglers. Born in 1818, Catherine faced many hardships but always met them with courage.

After losing her husband, Catherine became the head of her household, a rare role for a woman at the time. She negotiated with the North West Half-Breed Commission and made the difficult choice to accept scrip so her children would not go hungry. Her determination ensured our family’s survival and future.

Catherine’s daughter Madeline married Joseph Xavier Paquette, a founding father of St. Albert. Their son, John Paquette, and his wife, Marie Victoire LeBlanc, carried the legacy forward. Their son, my grandfather Fred Paquette, spoke English, French, and Cree, reflecting the richness of our heritage.

Catherine’s story is a reminder that Métis women have always been central to our Nation, guiding our families and culture through challenge and change.

Diverse Leaders, Everywhere

Métis women are leaders in every sense. From boardrooms and research labs to classrooms and community halls, you will find them shaping policy, advancing health care, driving innovation, and making waves in the arts, sciences, and beyond.

Their leadership is not confined to any one space or role. Métis women are at the forefront of social change, community development, and cultural resurgence. They are visionaries and trailblazers, often the first to open doors and the ones holding them open for others.

Resilience, Tenacity, and Grit

The history of the Métis Nation is filled with stories of women who refused to give up, who faced adversity with courage and determination. Today’s Métis women carry that legacy forward. Whether overcoming barriers in education, challenging discrimination in the workplace, or standing up for their rights and communities, their resilience is unwavering.

Tenacity shines through in the pursuit of higher education, the fight for justice, the creation of new businesses, and the ongoing work of reclaiming language and culture. Métis women meet challenges head-on, turning obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.

Creators and Innovators

Métis women are celebrated artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers whose work shapes how we see ourselves and the world. Their creativity is a source of pride and cultural strength, and it also drives innovation in science, technology, and business.

From beading and visual arts to groundbreaking research and entrepreneurship, Métis women are redefining what it means to lead and create. Their contributions are vital, dynamic, and ever-evolving.

Community Builders and Changemakers

Many Métis women are deeply involved in building and strengthening community. They serve as mentors, advocates, and organizers, founding non-profits, leading cultural programs, and supporting those in need. Their work often bridges generations, bringing together youth and Elders, newcomers and long-time residents.

Their leadership is about transformation. Métis women are at the heart of movements for equity, inclusion, and reconciliation, creating space for others and ensuring that everyone is heard and valued.

For Every Generation

To the young girls dreaming big dreams, and to the Elders whose footsteps guide us, your strength, vision, and courage are the backbone of our Nation. You show us that leadership has no limits and that every path is open.

Carrying the Heartbeat Forward

To all the Métis women leading the way, thank you. Thank you for your achievements, your resilience, your creativity, and your everyday acts of leadership. You are the heartbeat of our Nation, and your contributions will echo for generations to come.

As I think of Catherine and the courageous choices she made, I am reminded that every act of leadership, large or small, can change the future. Let’s continue to uplift, support, and celebrate Métis women and girls. If there is a Métis woman who has