Rick Hansen Foundation signs protocol agreement with the Métis National Council in Edmonton

Hansen to attend 25th Anniversary Relay End of Day celebration at the University of Alberta

EDMONTON, March 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) and Métis National Council (MNC) are signing a protocol agreement today to meaningfully engage citizens of the Métis Nation in the activities of the Foundation. RHF and MNC are forming a strategic alliance to address issues of common interest, foster leadership among youth, and build stronger and healthier communities for all.

"Through the 25th Anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour, our Foundation has the opportunity to build invaluable partnerships with important organizations that share our vision of healthier and more inclusive communities," said Rick Hansen. "This collaboration with the Métis National Council moves us closer to achieving these goals and allows us to contribute to the strengthening of the Métis Nation by working together to empower young people to dream big - instilling in them a sense that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. We believe that through mentorship, youth have the power to change the world and we look forward to engaging the MNC in Foundation initiatives that foster leadership among Métis youth."

The MNC's goal is to secure a healthy space for the Métis Nation's ongoing existence within the Canadian Federation, keeping the Nation's distinct culture, traditions, and lifestyle alive, while pursuing social and economic development. Through this groundbreaking agreement, the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Métis National Council will seek out and identify opportunities to work in a cooperative and mutually supportive manner on initiatives that will foster leadership and engagement among youth in the areas of accessibility, inclusivity, health and wellness, and sustainability.

"The Métis National Council is committed to supporting each of our Métis Nation citizens in achieving a healthy, balanced, prosperous and fulfilled life through the many Métis-specific programs and services offered across the Homeland and by partnering with organizations such as the Rick Hansen Foundation," said MNC Vice President David Chartrand. "The coming together of the Métis Nation and the RHF was natural - we share many of the same goals and interests and most importantly the centralized vision of building strong, healthy and vibrant communities. We know that it takes a community to achieve success and we are very happy to welcome the RHF into our community - there are many good things to come."

As the national voice for Métis communities from Ontario westward, MNC represents and promotes the interests of the Métis Nation on a wide variety of environmental, social, and cultural issues. Built upon the main themes that ignite the vision of the Rick Hansen Foundation - healthy people, healthy planet, and inclusive society - this protocol agreement provides a framework of collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including working together to create opportunities for all individuals to contribute to their community in a meaningful way.

The Métis National Council provides the Métis Nation effective means of representation at the community, regional, provincial, national and international levels. Established in 1983, the MNC addresses the socio-economic needs and challenges of the Métis people by delivering programs and services in a fair and accountable manner.

About the Rick Hansen Foundation:
In 1987, following the Man In Motion World Tour (MIMWT), Rick established the Rick Hansen Foundation to continue his quest for an accessible and inclusive society and a cure for SCI. Under Rick's leadership, RHF functions as a social innovator - finding collaborative solutions to challenges in the community and the resources necessary to implement those solutions. RHF has been successful in leveraging the original $26M raised during the MIMWT to more than $245M in support of people, programs and research in pursuit of a healthier and more inclusive world. As part of the 25^th Anniversary campaign, the Rick Hansen Foundation has launched a national public fundraising campaign to support ongoing programs and initiatives. For ways to get involved, or to make a donation, please visit www.rickhansen.com.

Rick Hansen Foundation
John Gibson (in Edmonton)
1-604-644-0811
[email protected]

Métis National Council
Adrian Mrdeza
1-613-668-3377
[email protected]