The Métis Region 5 office will be closed on July 14, 2023. We will also be closed Monday, July 24 until Friday, July 28, 2023, while we host our Metis Region 5 Youth Culture Camp!

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

MEET OUR REGION 5 COMMUNICATIONS TEAM AT SALTMEDIA

Saltmedia is an award-winning, proudly Indigenous-owned and led, digital marketing firm serving all of Canada. Angie Saltman and her team are responsible for building and maintaining the Region 5 website and ensuring its security in their dedicated data center. At Saltmedia, they understand the importance of data having a safe home, just like people do. Their efforts greatly benefit the citizens of Region 5 by regularly updating the website with the latest newsletters, information about programs, services, and team details.

You can find SaltMedia online using the links below:

PRESIDENT OF SALTMEDIA: ANGIE SALTMAN

Angie Saltman is the President of Saltmedia who truly loves being an entrepreneur and being involved in her Metis community. On May 21, 2021, Angie and Saltmedia were contracted to be the Communications Team for Region 5 by developing and maintaining our website. Angie says "She felt a great sense of pride in supporting her Nation."

Angie finds fulfillment in contributing to the community through her work. Outside of her role at Saltmedia in Region 5, Angie is involved in two businesses based in Métis Region 6, specifically in Grande Prairie. Saltmedia specializes in creating custom websites and graphic designs, operating as a full-stack digital marketing firm. Additionally, Angie runs IT Horizons, which provides IT solutions for businesses and organizations. With her passion for both technology and art, she describes herself as a techy nerd who enjoys exploring the creative side.

Angie truly enjoys her job, as she has always been passionate about technology and design. She appreciates the friendly and enjoyable nature of the MR5 team, with whom she interacts regularly. In her leisure time, Angie focuses on her family and pets and engages in activities such as quadding, swimming, and hiking. Being a mother, a gardener, and an entrepreneur brings her joy, but her current favorite hobby revolves around creating Indigenous art.

She has even set up a small store on her personal website, where interested individuals can purchase her art featured on coffee mugs and t-shirts.



Angie takes immense pride in being part of the Métis Nation of Alberta and has witnessed remarkable progress made by the MNA in the past five years. She has a deep appreciation for her culture and dedicates time to delve into her family's ancestry, tracing it back to the Red River and beyond.

TRANSITION COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE:

JAMIE CHALIFOUX

We are proud to introduce Jamie Chalifoux who is a wonderful member of our Region 5 community and part of our team. Jamie is one of the Region 5 Otipemsiwak Transition Committee Representatives, a Knowledge Keeper in our Region, a volunteer for our Harvesting and Caribou Monitoring Programs, and a Culture Facilitator.

Jamie first started working with our team last year at the MNA Annual General Assemble in Calgary. When asked what his favorite part about working with the Region 5 team is, he said "Meeting new people and being able to help both the MNA and Region 5 however I can. I love being involved."

When Jamie is not working with our team, he lives an active lifestyle with his family quadding, fishing, hunting, gathering, and enjoying our beautiful outdoors. Jamie is an Indigenous Education Coach for the High Prairie School Division that helps bring teachers' Indigenous teachings into the classroom curriculum. He has begun reclaiming his Cree language and loves learning about his culture and traditional teachings.

Jamie and his wife Valene have a wonderful business called Willow Bend Designs that sells Indigenous fabric, ribbons, sewing notions, regalia-making supplies, gift items, and handmade local artisan items.

Together they work with organizations, schools, school divisions, the Metis Region 5, and communities providing workshops supplies, and teaching culture.



You can find their online store 'Willow Bend Designs' using the links below:

We are incredibly grateful for the partnership between Region 5, the Town of Slave Lake, and the Slave Lake Métis Local Society #19, which made this community garden project possible. Together, we are creating a space where our community can come together and flourish.

The support and enthusiasm from our lovely citizens and our incredible team were truly inspiring. Your efforts made a difference, and we couldn't be more thankful for your presence and hard work under the sun. There was plenty of laughter and enjoyment throughout the day!

BEADED HOOP EARRINGS

June 11, 2023

W𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗽 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽! 🪶🌼 This workshop was facilitated by the talented local Metis artist and business owner, Chana Trudel.

Participants were provided with all the necessary supplies to create beautiful beaded hoop earrings. Not only did we engage in a creative and traditional endeavor, but we also had a delicious lunch and refreshing beverages to keep us energized throughout the day thanks to Kelsey! 🧑‍🍳

MAKING RIBBON SKIRTS - HIGH PRAIRIE

June 11, 2023

We wanted to share the excitement and finished creations from the recent 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗲 event from June 11th!

We are so grateful that Legion Branch #37 was the amazing space where the Region 5 team members and Métis community members came together to learn and create memories. We're so proud of the beautiful work we created and can't wait to wear our new skirts on our future journeys.

Let's continue to come together as a community to learn, grow, and support each other! 💙♾️💙

24TH ANNUAL AUDREY POITRAS GOLF TOURNAMENT

June 12, 2023

Congratulations to our incredible Region 5 teams, the Moosemeat Mafia and the Drymeat Warriors, for their outstanding performances at the golf tournament!

𝗠𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗮, 𝟭 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿

𝗗𝗿𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝟯 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿

Special thanks to our Economic Development Corporation for their contribution to this fantastic event.

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY CELEBRATION

June 17, 2023

The event took place on Saturday, at the Northern Lakes College Gymnasium in Slave Lake. 𝗜𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀. The youth had a blast with face painting, crafts, and engaging games, while cultural vendor tables showcased the beautiful crafts and artwork created by local artisans. The atmosphere was further elevated by captivating fiddle players, traditional dancers, and other entertainment that delighted everyone in attendance.

RED RIVER CART DEDICATION

June 20, 2023

Last year, Terry Calliou, the dedicated Indigenous Worker for McLennan Hospital, successfully secured funding to purchase and erect a Tipi, which has become a cherished landmark on the hospital premises. Terry's unwavering dedication and passion for showcasing Indigenous cultures and traditions have been instrumental in enhancing the hospital environment and fostering a sense of belonging for all patients, visitors, and staff.

"𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹! It has been quite the hurry-up-and-wait process in the House of Commons this week. We experienced mixed feelings some highs and lows as we waited to navigate through the first and second readings on Monday and then Wednesday.

We huddled together in prayer on June 21st to raise one another's spirits. I prayed hard so our team would not be deterred or discouraged! It was a beautiful sunny day in Ottawa on National Indigenous Day, perhaps the House felt it was the most fitting day to introduce our Bill. We got to witness the Question period with Honourable Prime Minister Trudeau as well. Then we were fortunate to attend the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act: Action Plan presentation at the National Arts Centre.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rupertsland Institute (RLI) for their invaluable support in cohosting this event and for their ongoing commitment to the well-being of survivors. RLI's generous IRS funding played a significant role in making this event a reality, showcasing their dedication to truth and reconciliation.

During the event, we were privileged to have MNA Truth & Reconciliation Coordinator, Lorna Dancey, present a locally produced video featuring Elders sharing their experiences with Indian Residential Schools and highlighting the MNA project mural, aptly titled "Coming Home." Additionally, Kimmy from RLI provided insights into the materials used for their IRS mural project.

Take a look at some of our favorite photos from this last month featured on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Click on the images below to View Larger and Read Captions on our social media.



The images below are each a different program, service, or support for all Métis citizens from the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA). Click on the images below to Learn More about each one.