|
November 13, 2024
The City of Edmonton hosted the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (OMG) and its members at City Hall to recognize, celebrate and officially declare November 10-16 Métis Week in Edmonton.
In addition to the Métis Week proclamation, this year’s event featured a milestone agreement; the re-establishment of a formal government-to-government relationship between the City of Edmonton and Otipemisiwak Métis Government through the signing of a new and revised Memorandum of Shared Recognition and Cooperation, the first official agreement between the two partners.
"Today, we celebrate Métis people and their contributions to the foundation and development of Edmonton,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “Métis Week provides us with the opportunity to come together and stand with Métis people and re-commit our pledge with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and walk together in reconciliation today and for future generations.”
In 2013, the City of Edmonton and Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) signed the original Memorandum of Shared Recognition and Cooperation, both pledging to work together to increase positive social and economic opportunities for Indigenous and Métis people in Edmonton. Métis Week has become a powerful symbol of government-to-government relationship building and continued collaboration between the City and OMG.
“Métis Week is a time to reflect on the lasting impact of Louis Riel and the courage he showed in the pursuit of self-government for his people,” said President Andrea Sandmaier, Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “Through working together and standing firm in our values we can secure a prosperous future for Métis people across Alberta.”
Each year on Louis Riel Day (November 16), Métis people across Canada pay tribute to the Right Honourable Louis Riel by holding commemorative events on the date of his execution. In addition to recognizing Louis Riel Day, the OMG of the Métis Nation within Alberta declares the week surrounding November 16 as “Métis Week”, devoted to commemorating the sacrifices of the Métis and hosting local and regional events to celebrate the rich culture and history of Métis people. The Métis Nation of Alberta has been celebrating Métis Week in Edmonton since 1997.
"Métis Week is an opportunity for us to honour the contributions of Métis people to Edmonton’s development,” said Sarah Wolfe, OMG Citizens’ Representative for Fort Edmonton Métis District 9. “Since the Fur Trade, the Métis have played a significant role in shaping the city’s economic, educational and artistic growth. With deep roots in this area, our ancestors' pivotal involvement in Edmonton inspires our ongoing contributions. We take pride in celebrating our heritage alongside the City of Edmonton."
The event began with an opening prayer from Elder Norma Spicer, a descendant of the Gladu Clan from the Slave Lake Area. Both Métis and Canadian national anthems were sung by Sarah Wolfe, followed by a cultural celebration featuring Métis jigging from the Métis Child Performers group, accompanied by Brianna Lizotte on the fiddle.
“There are more Métis Citizens in Edmonton than any other town or city in Alberta,” said Aura Leddy, OMG Citizens’ Representative for Edmonton Whitemud Métis District 10. “By honouring Métis traditions and history, we not only remember the journey that brought us here but also inspire future generations to carry forward the strength and spirit of the Métis here in Edmonton. This partnership with the City reinforces our shared commitment to inclusivity, reconciliation and cultural recognition.”
The Métis Nation of Alberta was created in 1928 to be a representative voice on behalf of Métis people within Alberta. Métis citizens in Alberta swore in the first Otipemisiwak Métis Government in October 2023, following the largest leadership vote in MNA’s history. Otipemisiwak (oh-teh-pim-swak) is a Plains Cree word that means “the people who own themselves.”
The City of Edmonton’s journey to strengthen and build relationships with Indigenous Peoples is guided and inspired by the Elder-shared concepts of wahigicicobi (wah-hee-gee-chee-cho-bee; Îethka Nakoda), wâhkôhtowin (wah-koh-toh-win; Cree) and Ilagiingniq (ee-la-geeng-nuk; Inuktun), all of which mean “kinship relations”, and is demonstrated through the City’s Indigenous Framework.
| 
