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Taanishi! Welcome to the September edition of the Lethbridge & Area Metis Association newsletter! As we transition into fall, we’re excited to bring you a message from our President, reflecting on the season ahead and our community's growth. We also have upcoming events to look forward to and a special look back at all the memorable moments from a busy August. We would greatly appreciate your participation in our surveys so that we can take your feedback and use it in developing programs around the needs of our community. 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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A Message from the President
Call For Volunteers
Community News
Upcoming Events
Event Recap
Community Feedback Surveys
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Our office is open:
Monday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
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A Message from the President | | |
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Taanishi,
As we transition to a new season and reflect on the warmer months, I extend my sincere gratitude to all of you who have contributed to the growth and success of our Métis community. Our council and staff worked tirelessly this summer to bring cultural experiences and education to the forefront. Our cultural workshops continue to grow in number and attendance. With continuous positive feedback from participants and facilitators, we are confident that we are moving in the right direction.
We are extremely thankful for every opportunity to connect with you, celebrate our shared traditions and culture, and uplift our Métis families and community members. With nanâskomôwin and aykishchiitaymoot. With gratitude and pride.
Dr. Adam Browning
President
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Our council is here to serve and support you. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns to info@lethbridgemetis.com. | |
Join us at the Truth and Reconciliation Powwow! | | |
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On September 28th and 29th we will be hosting a table at the Honouring Traditions and Reconciliation Society's 2nd Annual Powwow & Artisan Expo at the Lethbridge Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre.
If you are interested in joining us at the table to sell merchandise and share your knowledge of the Métis people with the community please sign up below!
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If you are interested in volunteering for cultural programming, hosting a workshop, or joining the Culture Committee, please contact Annie at:
coordinator@lethbridgemetis.com or (403) 328 - 7828.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement!
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Michif (Métis) Introductory Language Course (Fall 2024)
The Outdoor Learning School and Store is accepting registrations for 6 interactive 90-minute online lessons on Wednesdays at 6 pm PT / 7 pm MT / 8 pm CT / 9 pm ET: Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 20, Nov 27, Dec 4.
All registrants will receive a link to the recordings, a certificate of completion, and a $10 coupon to access excellent Indigenous Learning Resources. Visit their website for more information and to register.
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Lethbridge Movie Mill Screening!
Singing Back the Buffalo - FREE Admission
Sunday, Sept. 15th, 12:30 pm
Monday, Sept. 16th, 3:30 pm
Wednesday, Sept. 18th, 6:30 pm
Indigenous visionaries, scientists and communities are re-matriating the buffalo to the heart of the North American plains they once defined, signaling a turning point for Indigenous nations, the ecosystem, and our collective survival.
Watch the trailer here!
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Aboriginal Housing Society has been working on a project to build 132 new affordable housing units in Lethbridge. New units opening soon with priority given to seniors. Get affordable housing applications by emailing bonnie.ahs@shaw.ca or by visiting the Aboriginal Housing Society office at
1102 5 Ave N #22, Lethbridge
Details are available through their office, call (403) 328-8806 or email Bonnie.
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Métis Ribbon Skirt Workshop
Saturday, Sept 7th, 2024
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
This in-person event, guided by skilled instructors Mel and Tara, offers a chance to connect with Métis culture and community, with priority given to youth ages 12-18 who will receive a credit for fabric and ribbon supplies. This event is open to ages 12+.
FREE - Youth ages 12 to 18
$10 - Adults 19+ - $10
$5 - Students/Seniors
Family Ties Gathering Space
911 3 Ave N, Lethbridge
| Spots are SOLD OUT for this event. We are so grateful for your interest and look forward to organizing another one later this year. | |  |
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Celebrating Indigenous Arts
Sunday, Sept 22nd 2024
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
The Galt Museum & Archives is hosting a special day to celebrate Indigenous arts in our city! This event is open to all ages and completely free. Registration is encouraged to secure your spot.
Event Schedule:
1:00 pm - Metis Dot art with Melanie Morrow
3:00 pm - Fish Scales art with Maria Livingston
5:00 pm - Blackfoot Beading with Deserae Yellow Horn
Galt Museum & Archives
502 1 Street South, Lethbridge
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Interfaith Foodbank "Reconciliation Starts with You" Workshops and Community Feast!
Workshop 1
Thursday, Sept 26th 2024
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Workshop 2
Friday, Sept. 27th
9:00 am to 11:30 am
Community Feast
Friday, Sept. 27th 2024
11:30 am to 2:00 pm
Interfaith Foodbank Community Kitchen
1103 3 Ave N, Lethbridge
These free workshops are to increase understanding of reconciliation through learning, reflection, discussion, and creation of personal action plans. Followed by a free community feast!
Space is limited. Register by emailing cindy.rendall@counsellor.com with your name and the date you want to attend or call IFB at 403-320-8779. More information here.
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Orange Shirt Awareness Walk
Sunday, Sept. 29th 2024
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch - Meet in the Parking lot at 11:00 am 810 - 5th Ave South
Come out and join the second annual Orange Shirt Awareness Walk, from the Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch to Galt Gardens and back to the Library.
Walk beginning at 11am, with refreshments to follow at 12:30pm and Open Mic at 1-3pm.
All are Welcome, feel free to share your stories and/or artistic endeavors through art, poem, song, hand drum, or guitar, on how the effects of residential school and/or inter-generational impacts.
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Honouring Traditions and Reconciliation Society's 2nd Annual Powwow & Artisan Expo
Sept 28th & 29th 2024
Grand Entry Saturday: 1:00 pm
Grand Entry Sunday: 12:00 pm
Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre
3401 Parkside Dr S, Lethbridge
This event plays an important role in bringing together non-Indigenous folks and Indigenous Peoples in a safe, fun, and culturally relevant forum.
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Sisters in Spirit Vigil 2024
Friday, October 4th 2024
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
October 4th is a day when we honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). The violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls in Canada is a national tragedy.
6:30 pm - Welcome & gathering at City Hall
910 4th Ave South, Lethbridge
6:45 pm - Street march to Galt Gardens
via 4th Avenue & 7th Street South
7:00 pm - Vigil starts at Galt Gardens (Pergola)
3rd Avenue & 5th Street South
Vigil candles are available at the entry to Galt Gardens. Warm beverages will be available. Be sure to dress for the weather. More info is available here.
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Métis Beaded Keychain Workshop - Aug 14th
Thank you for joining us at the Métis Beaded Keychain Workshop! Your creativity and enthusiasm made this event truly special. We hope you had as much fun as we did seeing your beadwork come to life. Don't forget that spirit beads happen to affirm that only the Creator can make something that is perfect.
A special thank you to Tara for teaching the class and sharing her knowledge of Métis culture. We hope you enjoyed learning traditional beading techniques and connecting with our community.
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Whoop-Up Days Parade - Aug 20th | |
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If you haven't heard, our float took 1st place in the Community Organization category at the Whoop-Up Days Parade for the second year! We also won the Grande Aggregate award for best overall entry in the parade. Our Métis trapper camp and Indy the Buffalo were a hit!
Thank you to everyone who supported and cheered us on from the sidelines. Special thanks to Joel and Indy for leading our float! We also thank our wonderful friends who joined us in the parade and contributed to decorating the float. We can't wait to do it all again next year!
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Taber Cornfest - Aug 24th
Who doesn't love Taber corn? We joined in the fun at Taber Cornfest with a table full of goodies and swag! Thank you to our volunteers for helping run the table and to all the community members who came out to say Tansi! Mel got to eat her candy apple and had a basket of sweetgrass drawing people in with its aroma.
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Student Success Kits - Aug 27th | |
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We are proud to have supported over 30 students with Student Success Kits for the new school year. We wish all students a fantastic year ahead!
If you still need school supplies you can email info@lethbridgemetis.com for support as we have some leftovers.
A special thank you to our elders, Alice and Lloyd, for sharing their wisdom and enjoying tea with us—your guidance enriches our community and inspires our Métis youth!
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Lewistown Métis Powwow & Celebration - Aug 30th to Sept 1st
18 Lethbridge & Area Métis Association and Medicine Hat Métis community members journeyed to Lewistown, Montana for the Métis Powwow and Celebration. The group, including President Adam, Elders Lloyd and Carl, Council Member Renee, staff members Annie and Kim, and community member Tara with her two children, met Chris La Tray, author of Becoming Little Shell, and shared gifts of t-shirts, tobacco, sage, and sashes with Little Shell Tribe of Montana members.
The first night featured a live auction, along with a fiddle, jig, and waltz competition. Powwow dancing took place on Saturday and Sunday, with a stunning grand entry where a staff decorated with a Métis sash was carried in. Throughout the weekend, attendees could bid on silent auction items or visit vendors selling Indigenous print clothing, beautiful beaded jewelry, fur pelts, traditional medicine, and more. A meaningful stop during the trip was the visit to the Métis Memorial "Gods Acre," where Gabriel Dumont's wife, Madeleine Wilkie Dumont, and 34 others, including ancestors of our community, are buried. The presence of Métis family names on local streets added to the sense of heritage and history.
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Community Feedback Surveys | |
If you have trouble accessing a survey, contact coordinator@lethbridgemetis.com | | |
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