First academic centre devoted to Métis research created

A decade long partnership between the provincial Métis association and the oldest university in the province has culminated in the creation of the Rupertsland Centre for Métis Research.

“We have finalized the opportunity to work as partners with the University of Alberta to develop Canada’s first academic centre specifically designed for Métis research,” said Audrey Poitras, president of the Métis Nation of Alberta.

The centre is the result of a memorandum of understanding signed in 2007 by the MNA and the U of A.

“This would not have been possible without the vision of our provincial council and our economic development team. This would not have been possible if the University of Alberta did not share our vision,” said Poitras.

Dru Marshall, outgoing provost for the university, said the timing of the centre works perfectly with an increased interest by academia in Aboriginal people.

“This research centre is going to allow the University of Alberta to continue building relationships with the Métis community,” said Marshall.

She also noted that the centre would help academia get a better understanding of who the Métis people are, an understanding that is presently lacking.

Leading the centre as research director will be Frank Tough, associate dean of research in the Faculty of Native Studies. Tough has an impressive track record, with years of experience in Métis research. He began working with Métis on projects at the University of Saskatchewan before coming to Edmonton. His work with the Métis Archival Project Lab has resulted in a database of information that will prove useful in the research to be undertaken by the new centre.

Poitras sees the research centre serving as a valuable resource when it comes to developing government programs.

“We have the unique opportunity to develop a policy think tank that will assist in an appropriate and timely response to the questions and issues impacting the Métis in this province,” said Poitras.

In the past, she said, the association has been approached for input but found budget restraints made it difficult to provide educated, well-supported direction.
“That has only served to minimize and weaken our proposals or our arguments and as such decreased our opportunity for further input or access to programs or services,” said Poitras.

Adam Letourneau, chair of the Rupertsland Institute, agreed with Poitras’ assessment.

“The centre will allow for unbiased, non-political, respected and accessible research and policy work,” he said.

The Rupertsland Centre for Métis Research is an arm of the Rupertsland Institute, which is an affiliate of the MNA and delivers labour market programming to the Aboriginal population in Alberta. The Rupertsland Institute is a newly created organization and is located in downtown Edmonton.

Letourneau added, “It is our great hope that this new centre for Métis research will thrive and become a model for other such centres across the province and country.”

Letourneau said the work to be undertaken by the centre will be a collaboration between university personnel and MNA members at large.

The centre could also serve as a base to house Metis research from around the country.

Photo caption: Holding the signed agreements (from left) are Dru Marshall, provost for the University of Alberta, Metis Nation of Alberta president Audrey Poitras, dean of the U of  A Faculty of Native Studies Ellen Bielawski, and Rupertsland Institute chair Adam Letourneau.