Karen (KC) Collins was raised on the Elizabeth Metis Settlement surrounded by the love of family; kohkums, mohsums, aunties, uncles, cousins, and community members who all lived the Métis ways of being. Language, shared harvesting, and cultural events were alive and commonplace for a lively and thriving community. As a teen, her family moved to Bonnyville where she completed her education and graduated in grade 12 and then began her path of life.

In her late teens, KC was a participant of Canada World Youth where she spent four months in Courtney B.C. and four months in Indonesia. The lifelong lessons learned with that experience have guided her since. Upon her return to Canada, she began working in the Friendship Centre Movement holding various positions including volunteer, employee, and Board Director at the local, provincial, and national levels. Karen held the position of the President for the National Association of Friendship Centres for three years. She is often heard saying that she “grew up in Friendship Centres” and is truly grateful for the guidance she received from the many elders, matriarchs, and leaders with the Movement.

Secretary Collins worked for the Metis Settlements Transition Commission prior to her joining the team at the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People in the capacity of a Métis Policy Analyst until her return to Alberta. Karen then returned home to Elizabeth Metis Settlement where she held the position of Administrator.

At this point in her life, her greatest gifts and responsibilities came with the births of her two sons, Usini and Owen!

Having attended many Métis assemblies since she was nine years old and involved as a member, in 2002 she was elected as President for Zone II Regional Council of the Métis Nation of Alberta, a post she held until 2018. Appointed as a Commissioner for the Métis Nation of Alberta Constitution Commission, she focused on drafting the Constitution with her fellow Commissioners and is very proud of the product and the 96.9% support from the Citizens in embracing the Métis Nation within Alberta government, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government!

Now, her focus and energy are her obligations as Citizens’ Representative and member of Cabinet to uphold the Constitution along with her colleagues and continue Nation building.

Having been appointed the Secretary for Metis Settlements and First Nations Relations and recently, Language Revitalization, she recognizes that relationships are key to advancing our Nation’s cause and that languages are key to our Nationhood. KC is committed to being part of the inaugural Citizens’ Council that builds a solid foundation for the generations to come as envisioned by our ancestors.