For 1st time, Alberta names government building after Indigenous woman

A provincial building in Edmonton’s west end has a new name that pays tribute to a long-time human rights advocate.

The venue, located at 12360 – 142 St., will now be called the Muriel Stanley Venne Provincial Centre.

It is the first time an Alberta government building has been named in honour of an Indigenous woman.

“Muriel Stanley Venne has dedicated her life to helping improve the lives of Albertans,” Premier Rachel Notley said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Muriel Stanley Venne has dedicated her life to helping improve the lives of Albertans," Premier Rachel Notley said.

“As an Order of Canada recipient, the founder of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women and the creator of the Esquao Awards, there is no one who deserves this honour more than Muriel.”

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Stanley Venne has been a strong leader in the First Nations and Metis communities across Alberta. In 1973, she was appointed by former premier Peter Lougheed to serve on the Alberta Human Rights Commission. She has been working ever since to advance the fair treatment of Indigenous people and her efforts have been recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

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Stanley Venne was on hand Wednesday for the designation ceremony. Members of her family and Alberta politicians were also present.

“I am honoured to be the first Indigenous woman in Alberta to have my name attached to a provincial government building,” Stanley Venne said.

“I hope this is a sign to young women and girls across the country that they can raise their voices and demand to be treated with respect.

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“In the past, I didn’t feel welcomed in my community, my province or my country. That has changed today,” she said.

The building is being retrofitted for its new function as a multipurpose government centre. Construction work is being done now and is expected to be done next spring.