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Taanishi!
Welcome to the November 2025 edition of the Lethbridge & Area Métis Association's newsletter!
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making our community vibrant and welcoming.
We hope to see you at our next event!
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Our office is open:
Monday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesday 10AM to 4:30 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Thursday 10AM to 4:30 PM
Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
To reach us outside of office hours, please contact info@lethbridgemetis.com
*Note: these hours are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances*
| | Volunteer and Community Participation Opportunities | | |
With so many rich community events on the horizon for 2025/26, we are always on the look out for volunteers
Your participation and enthusiasm continue to make our community strong and united.
If you are interested in being added to the volunteer list, please sign up below and provide us a few details about how you would like to participate
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Cultural Programming Opportunities
Do you have cultural knowledge or traditional skills you could share? We would love to hear from you!
You don't have to be an Expert to share your knowledge and skills.
Facilitation support is available to assist Knowledge Keepers in sharing and preserving our history.
Culture Committee
The culture committee meets monthly to discuss ongoing programs. If you would like to join the culture committee please contact the office, or filling out the form below!
If you are interested in hosting a workshop or joining the culture committee please contact us at:
info@lethbridgemetis.com or
(403) 328-7828.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement!
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Our Incoming President:
Renee Ketcheson
Taanishi ma paraantii (Hello My Relations)
I am honoured to have been selected to serve you as President of Lethbridge and Area Metis Association. I look forward to continuing the wonderful cultural activities and events with our Council, Elders and staff. Over the last couple of years we've made great strides, especially since becoming an independent cultural association supporting Red River Metis who call Lethbridge and area home.
Miyonishkaatook kakiyaw ma paraantii! (Welcome all my relations)
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Our Incoming Council:
Renee Ketcheson - President
Yvette Lowen - Vice President
Adam Browning - Treasurer
Jody Powelson - Secretary
Flory Reron - Councillor
Loretta Taylor - Councillor
Congratulations, Council on your election and thank you for your service to our community.
| | | Garrett Delorme and Monique Giroux are co-hosting a casual Métis Fiddle Group that gathers for music, stories, and laughter every first and third Sunday of the month. Garrett will host on the first Sunday at 1035 Canyon Blvd W, and Monique will host on the third Sunday at 718 17th St S. Both sessions run from 2:00 PM to around 4:00 PM. November’s gatherings will take place on Sunday, November 2 and Sunday, November 16. Come share in the joy of fiddle music — all are welcome! | | |
REMINDER THAT THERE WILL BE NO JIG & JAM ON NOVEMBER 13 DUE TO METIS WEEK EVENTS.
Please come and support the Flag Raising over Metis Trail that evening instead!
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Métis Week is a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of the Métis people, held annually during the week surrounding Louis Riel Day on November 16. Join us for a series of engaging events happening throughout Lethbridge and beyond:
Wednesday, Nov 12
- LAMA: Make your own medicine bag workshop
Thursday, Nov 13
- LAMA: Flag Raising (location to be determined)
- The Galt Museum: Create Your own traditional lob stick
Friday, Nov 14
- LAMA: Senior’s Tea and Open House
Saturday, Nov 15
Sunday, Nov 16
- LAMA: Cooking Class with Garrett Delorme
- Métis Experience at the Fort with Elder's Lloyd and Carl in Fort Macleod
Come out to connect, learn, and celebrate Métis culture with your community. Everyone is welcome!
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Flag Raising
In honour of Metis Week, we will be raising our flag in Lethbridge on November 13 at 6 PM. No registration required.
Come and warm up with hot chocolate and the warmth of our community!
Please note that this event is outdoors - dress for the weather and bring your own blanket or chair.
| | | | Seniors Coffee this month will be November 14 from 1-3 PM! Drop in anytime, no registration required. | | |
Celebrate Métis Week with a Kitchen Party!
We’re thrilled to invite you to a lively Kitchen Party on November 15 at The Cave at Lethbridge Polytechnic! Join us for an evening of great food, dancing, games, and community spirit — all in celebration of Métis Week and the legacy of Louis Riel and our community.
The night will feature the incredible musical talents of Métis artist Brody Jerome, fun games for everyone, and It’s a wonderful chance to come together, honor our heritage, and celebrate the strength and resilience of the Métis people.
follow the link below to RSVP and claim your tickets. We can’t wait to see you there!
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MMIWG Vigil
On October 4, we had the honor of recognizing the day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirits at the Sisters in Spirit Vigil held at Galt Gardens. It is so important to honour our lost loved ones, and keep the candle burning for those not yet found.
Click here for more photos and information about Sisters in Spirit and the important advocacy work they do.
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Jig & Jam
Our Jig and Jam class has been in full swing every Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Family Ties Gathering Space (909 3rd Ave North). Participants have been having a great time learning to play guitar and violin—and the energy has been fantastic!
We’d love for you to join us for the jigging portion of the evening, which kicks off at 7:00 PM. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just curious to try, come show off your best rabbit dance and be part of the fun! Drop in any Thursday between now and December 11th—we can’t wait to see you there!
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Ribbon Skirt Workshop
Ribbon skirts, laughter, and a whole lot of creativity—what a day! This month, LAMA hosted a ribbon skirt-making workshop with the amazing Cydney Nilsson, and it was nothing short of magical. Our space was buzzing with good vibes, shared stories, and colorful ribbons flying everywhere. Each participant walked away with a one-of-a-kind skirt full of meaning, pride, and personal flair. We loved spending the day together, crafting and connecting—and we’re already counting down to the next one. Stay tuned, because you won’t want to miss it!
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Dot Art Contest Winner Announced
This October, LAMA hosted a Dot Art Coloring Contest in celebration of Métis Week. We’re excited to announce our winner — Izzy! Her vibrant and original design captured the spirit of the season, and will be featured on a custom cookie by Cookie Crimes. Be sure to join us at the upcoming Métis Flag Raising Ceremony to see Izzy’s artwork brought to life on a custom cookies.
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Medicine Bag Making Workshop – Celebrate Métis Week with Us
In honor of Métis Week, join us for a calming and creative Medicine Bag Making Workshop. This hands-on experience invites you to craft your own unique leather pouch, filled with traditional medicine herbs of your choice. All supplies will be provided, and you’ll have the option to personalize your pouch with beading or dot art.
We’ll spend three relaxing hours sewing, decorating, and sharing stories over healing tea in a warm, welcoming space. It’s a beautiful way to connect with Métis culture and community — we’d love to see you there!
click the button below to register on Eventbrite.
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Seniors & Elders Coffee Meet-Up
November 14th marks the sixth gathering of our popular Seniors & Elders Coffee Meet-Up — a monthly opportunity to connect, share stories, and enjoy good company.
This welcoming event is a great way to spend time with fellow community members, meet Council and Staff, and enjoy some delicious refreshments together.
If you haven’t joined us yet, don’t be a stranger — all are welcome! Come see what makes this meet-up such a cherished part of our community. No registration needed just show up!
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Stories, Artifacts, and Heritage: A Métis Day at the Fort
On November 16th, in honour of Louis Riel Day, the Fort Museum in Fort Macleod will host a vibrant event celebrating Métis history and culture. Visitors can explore a rich collection of Métis artifacts, enjoy the scenic grounds, and immerse themselves in stories of the past. Elders Lloyd Cavers and Carl Jerome will be present to share their wisdom and lived experiences, offering a unique opportunity to learn directly from community knowledge keepers. Don’t miss this meaningful day of learning, connection, and celebration.
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Métis Week Cooking Class W/Garrett Delorme
On Louis Riel Day—November 16th—we’re hosting a hands-on cooking class led by the amazing Garrett Delorme. Come learn how to make delicious Métis recipes, share stories, and celebrate culture through food. Spots are limited, so be sure to click the link and save yours before they’re gone. We can’t wait to cook, connect, and celebrate with you!
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CMAW Canada Training Society: Toolbox to Trades | From January 12 to April 3, 2026, Toolbox to Trades offers a fully funded carpentry program in Lethbridge. Designed for equity-deserving groups and those facing employment barriers, this hands-on course provides an accessible path into the trades. | | | |
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Bursary – Apply by November 15 | |
The First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Bursary provides vital financial support for Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education. Eligible applicants can receive between $7,000 and $11,500 per year, with funding available for any year of their program. In return, recipients commit to working in Northern Alberta after graduation. The deadline to apply is November 15, 2025 — don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your future and support your community.
For more information and how to apply, please click the button below to visit the website or contact 780.624.6545 or BursariesNAD@gov.ab.ca
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Thank you for being part of our vibrant community. We’re grateful for your continued support and look forward to sharing more culture, connection, and celebration with you in the months ahead. Until next time, take care and stay connected! | | |
Our council is here to serve and support you. Please reach out with any questions or concerns to info@lethbridgemetis.com
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