Tony Belcourt
Recognized for commitment to Metis
Article by Heather Andrews Miller
The president of
the Metis Nation of Ontario has been selected as a 2006 National
Aboriginal Achievement Award recipient for his contribution within
the public service. Tony Belcourt has dedicated his career to
raising the awareness of Metis rights and promoting the history
and culture of the Metis nationally.
"I got chills up and down my spine when I got the call telling
me of the award. It was completely unexpected," he said.
"I was absolutely thrilled as it's such an honor to be acknowledged
by your peers, as well as joining the elite group of folks who
have won in years past."
Belcourt originally hails from Lac Ste. Anne, Alta., and frequently
visits family in the community located northwest of Edmonton.
He started his political career in 1967 when he got involved
with the Metis Association of Alberta, forming a local chapter
in the capital city.
"A lot of family members joined at that time too, and together
with my cousin Herb Belcourt and my brother Orville I got heavily
involved in one of our first projects, CaNative Housing Corporation,
which provided affordable housing to Metis families moving into
Edmonton and Calgary. Eventually, the housing units were liquidated
and today an endowment fund provides scholarships and bursaries
to Metis students," he explained.
Belcourt had always believed the Metis people needed ...
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