10/23/2025
Rachelle Venne is a proud Métis woman and CEO of Esquao, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. She’s spent more than two decades advocating for Indigenous women, building on the legacy of her mother, Muriel Stanley Venne, who founded Esquao in 1994.
Rachelle’s leadership is rooted in community and driven by a commitment to justice. She’s led national initiatives, presented at the United Nations and is currently the Chair of the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit Plus People (MMIWG2S+) as well as Co-Chair on the Indigenous Advisory Group for Alberta Human Rights Commission.
Her work focuses on addressing systemic issues like poverty and violence, while creating space for Indigenous women to lead and thrive.
During Women’s History Month, we honour women who shaped the past—and those making history today. Rachelle Venne is doing both.
