Gerald Cunningham

Gerald was born and raised on the Peavine Metis Settlement and later moved to the East Prairie Metis Settlement where he presently resides. Gerald married Lorraine LaRiviere in 1976 and they have three children: Jerry, Tara and Jarrod. As well as raising their own children, Gerald and Lorraine have opened up their home to children that are in Foster Care. To date, a total of 27 children have lived with them from time to time. Gerald has vast work experience in the lumber industry, oil field, and childcare.

From 1990-2001, Gerald worked with the Metis Settlements in areas such as fire protection, disaster services, occupational health and safety, community and business planning. He was elected as the Métis Settlements General Council Vice President in September 2001 and served in that capacity until November 2007 at which time he was elected to President. During his 3 terms as Vice President, Gerald’s portfolio had the responsibility of Land and Resources, Oil and Gas, Infrastructure, Business Planning, Fire Protection, Environment and Wildlife Management.

The President of the Metis Settlements General Council is the political representative for carrying out the decisions and legislated duties of the General Council. His portfolio consists of establishing and maintaining government relationships and ensures that progress is made on behalf of the Métis Settlements as well as carrying out the decisions and legislated duties of the General Council. He looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead and moving the Alberta Métis Settlements a step closer to achieving their goals of self-reliance and self-determination.

He presides as the Chair at the meeting of the Executive Officers, the General Council Assembly, Board of Directors, Settlement Sooniyaw Corporation and the Governance Standing Committee. He also sits on the Joint Planning Committee which has representatives from the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and MSGC.