Citizens’ Council Appoints Interim Senior Executive Officer
Posted on: Jul 08, 2026
EDMONTON — Citizens’ Council of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has appointed an Interim Senior Executive Officer at its meeting today. Daniel Quan-Watson has agreed to serve as SEO of the Métis Nation Within Alberta for six months while a search for a permanent candidate continues. His term begins immediately.
Quan-Watson, who lives in Edmonton brings a wealth of experience as a former senior federal public servant who spent nearly 15 years as a Deputy Minister and Chief Executive Officer across multiple federal appointments, most recently as Deputy Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. His career centred on Crown-Indigenous relations, major policy and legislative work, and constitutional litigation involving Indigenous rights.
“On behalf of Citizens’ Council, we are thrilled Daniel has put his retirement on hold to fill the top administrative position with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government,” said President Andrea Sandmaier. “His wealth of experience at the highest levels of government will be of great benefit to the Métis Nation Within Alberta. He brings even greater credibility to our government.”
“I am excited to step into this role and help the Otipemisiwak Métis Government move forward,” said Quan-Watson. “I look forward to more discussions with President Sandmaier, Cabinet, Citizens’ Council and Directors to see how we can work together to serve Citizens even better than we are now.”
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government wants to assure Citizens that it is business as usual for the Nation.
“This addition will ensure that Elected Officials, Staff, and Citizens alike will continue to benefit from exceptional leadership and support from our Métis Government Administration” added Sandmaier.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kenny Trenton
Press Secretary, Otipemisiwak Métis Government
ktrenton@metis.org