Greetings!

I hope this note finds you well. The past few years have been challenging for many of the families we serve. There are families dealing with mental health issues involving domestic violence, addictions, and extreme stress. I was extremely saddened by the recent incident in Edmonton’s Inglewood community. My heart goes out to the two young fallen police officer’s families and the suspected youth’s family members. Such incidents are primarily related to mental health struggles and the lack of adequate and timely medical support.

At Métis Housing, we are not experts in mental health, but we have the means to direct vulnerable families in the right direction so they may receive prompt support. If you or your family feel the need to share your struggles and are seeking assistance, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Housing Resource Workers or call our head office. Our Reaching Home Program offers mental health and addiction support. Through this program, we also provide emergency housing for any reason, including families fleeing from domestic violence.

As weather conditions improve, we will once again hold tenant engagement events in communities we serve across Alberta. Event information will be available on our website, and via your Tenant Relations Officer who will contact you personally. We look forward to connecting and sharing a bite with tenants during these events.



At Métis Housing, we always look to further the quality of life of the families we serve. In addition to improving the condition of Métis Housing properties, we will continue offering housing-related supports and services to strengthen our Nation. 

My best wishes to all of you!

Bindu Bonneau

Senior Director of Operations

Métis Housing took part in the Métis National Council’s forum on Housing and Homelessness in Ottawa February 28 – March 1. Over the two days, we participated in small group discussions on the following topics:

1. What are the housing goals and objectives of the Métis Nation?
2. What are the barriers to funding and governance of the Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy?
3. What special considerations do we look at when providing housing? What housing needs do we have? What vulnerable sub-populations are falling through the cracks? Do we have regional needs, and what are they? What concerns do we have regarding the application process to obtain funding?

It was a wonderful opportunity to come together with other Métis housing organizations from across the country with a shared commitment to best serve our Citizens and community.

There were presentations by the Métis Nation of Ontario, Métis Nation – Saskatchewan, and the Métis Nation British Columbia. Aaron Barner, Métis Nation of Alberta's Senior Executive Officer, also presented on the evolving role of Indigenous housing providers, the need for wrap around services as an integral part of Indigenous housing, and how we are incorporating it.

After much deliberation, the committee has chosen three recipients of the Drayden Scholarship. Each recipient stands out for their academic and community involvement.

Drayden Insurance graciously created the scholarship to better support Métis post-secondary students in their academic careers. These three students will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their tuition.

The winners are:

• Sierra Deschamps
• Alyssa Vankosky
• Caitlin Hilsen-Ashford

Thank you to everyone who took the time to send in a nomination. It was very difficult to choose as there were so many incredible nominees.



And to the winners of the scholarship – CONGRATULATIONS! We can’t wait to see what you will accomplish.