As National President of the Métis National Council of Women, Inc., Sheila Genaille has advanced the interests of Métis women in both national and international forums. She represented the Métis Nation at the United Nations Year of Indigenous Peoples in New York. In Canada, she has addressed many groups, including the Beaudoin Commission, Ottawa; First Peoples and the Constitution Conference, Ottawa; First Ministers' Conferences, Ottawa, Charlottetown, and Baddeck; and the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

Ms. Genaille has also guest lectured at a number of universities, colleges and schools across Canada, including Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, St. Paul University in Ottawa, and Grant MacEwan Community College in Edmonton. She has also spoken at a number of seminars and societies, and was a speaker at the International Day of the World's Indigenous People in Ottawa.

Ms. Genaille's background includes administrator and historian. As past Research Director for the Métis Nation of Alberta, she was responsible for the Métis Cultural Centre Archives and Library. At this time she developed a Métis exhibit, was responsible for the development of collection policies and, in conjunction with the University of Alberta and Canada Employment and Immigration, developed and implemented a training program in the museology, archival, and library fields for Aboriginal people.

Ms. Genaille has served many hours as a volunteer, serving two terms as Edmonton Branch President of the Alberta Genealogical Society; two terms as President of the Louis Riel Historical Society; board member, Secretary and President of Edmonton Métis Local 1885; and President of the Alberta Métis Women Association. At the Métis National Council, her portfolios included Status of Women and Culture.

Ms. Genaille received the Certificate of Recognition from the Métis Nation of Alberta, the 125th Commemorative Medal from the Government of Canada, and the 1997 Governor General's Persons Award.

Sheila Genaille is a seventh generation Métis from the historic Métis homeland. Born in Manitoba, she has lived in Edmonton for over 25 years.

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