Awards recognize Métis contributions in business

Knowing that others see your commitment and are aware of your achievements is a heady feeling. And a recognition that Curtis Therrien wasn’t expecting to get.
“I was thrilled with the award. It was nice to be nominated, but I didn’t expect to win one of the larger awards,” said Therrien.

Therrien was the recipient of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Award handed out by the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3 in mid-April.

Therrien has owned and operated Curtis Gas Fitting and Heating, headquartered in Strathmore, for the past nine years. His operation consists of five trucks and half a dozen employees. His employees are multi-ticketed since the company does heating, plumbing, air-conditioning and gas fitting.

“I’ve encouraged the young people in the last 10 or 12 years to make sure they’re getting their trades. You can never take that away from someone,” said Therrien. “We’re pretty well-rounded.”

Therrien said his employees are more like partners to him. And they are all pleased about his recognition.
“There’s a little bit of pride here,” said Therrien. “The people I work with are pretty thrilled.”

Therrien has been in his line of work for 30 years, starting with ATCO Gas Company as a summer job and working his way through to owning and operating his second company.

“I was putting in a lot of hours. I figured I might as well go back to working for myself,” said Therrien.

The MNA Region 3 award is extra special, said Therrien, because his father has been active in the organization for years.

“The award is definitely a point of pride,” said Therrien.
“It is important to recognize our Métis people who do well in their business or in the corporate world,” said Marlene Lanz, who organized the April 15 awards show.
Dean Lagrange was recognized for his Success in the Corporate World. He was nominated by Tom Hewitt, who wrote, “It is my honour to pay tribute to your success and I respect everything that you have accomplished and for being an outstanding member of our Métis community.”

When Lagrange became a member of the Calgary Police Service in 1992, he was the youngest member at the age of 22. When he became an inspector at 40 years of age, he was the youngest senior officer in the department.

Said Lagrange of his recognition, “I’m at a loss for words . . . appreciate it very much. To say I’m honoured is an understatement.”

The awards “show others that Métis can do well and succeed. They are good role models for others,” said Lanz.

The awards have been running since 1998.

Other recipients of this year’s MNA Region 3 awards are: Paulette Anderson, of Prime Property Managerment Services Inc., also taking the Entrepreneurial Leadership award; Mark Cyluk  (Native to Native Arts and Crafts) and Mary Lou Berard (R4 Office Technologies Inc.) for Success and Contribution to the Métis Business Community; Apeetogosan  Métis Development Inc. for Contribution and Support to the Métis Community; and the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary for Support and Service to the Métis Community.

Photo Caption: Curtis Therrien was presented with the Male Entrepreneurial Leadership Award from the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3.