Taanishi! Welcome to the October edition of the Lethbridge & Area Metis Association newsletter! 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!

Highlights

Volunteer List Sign-Up

Community News

Upcoming Events

Event Recap

Community Feedback Surveys

Our office is open:

Monday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Wednesday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Volunteer List Sign-up

Over Métis Week, November 12 to 16th, we will be having several events within the city. Details on those events to come. We are looking to build an updated list of volunteers to help with community events over that week and more!

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.

If you are interested in 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!

Community News!

4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning (October 2024 to May 2025)

Beginning at the end of October and running until the end of May, this course is offered in partnership with over 50 non-profit organizations. It serves to support participants in deepening their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local Land and supporting more respectful, reciprocal relationships. 1.5 - 2 Hours of Learning Each Month: Includes 1-hour Virtual Presentation.

Season 1: Foundations of Knowledge

Season 2: Learning from the Land

Season 3: Building Reciprocal Relationships

Season 4: Taking Reflective Action

Participants in all Seasons of Learning will be invited to come together for 12 Virtual Presentations. Included in the presentations will be Christi Belcourt, a Métis visual artist, author, community organizer, environmentalist, social justice advocate, and avid land-based arts and language learner on March 6th, 2025.

Programs are currently on sale. The Outdoor Learning School states that if cost is a barrier please contact them. Register by the end of October.

Lethbridge South Youth Drop-In

Monday to Thursday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

435 - 5 Street South Lethbridge

McMan’s Lethbridge Youth Drop-In provides a safe and inclusive environment for youth and young adults to access support, fun, and skill-building. From help with schoolwork, job seeking, finding a place to live, or other concrete support, or if they simply want some safe, pro-social connection with like-minded peers. The program is open to youth and young adults aged 15 to 30. There are no costs for participants.

BMO Indigenous Personal Banking Program

They are offering personalized support and preferred rates on financial products and services to Indigenous customers.

Enjoy banking with no monthly Plan fee for a year with a Performance Plan chequing account – apply online or in branch

More program details available on their website.

Visit BMO Website

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.

Our council is here to serve and support you. Please reach out with any questions or concerns to info@lethbridgemetis.com.

Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendars For:

Métis Ribbon Skirt Workshop Part 2

Saturday, Oct 19, 2024

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

This is Part 2 of the Sept 7th class for registered participants to come together and finish the ribbon skirts we started last month.

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 in the new year.

Climate Connections: Climate Change Education in Outdoor Learning

Tuesday, Oct 22nd 2024

5:00 pm MST

This FREE Outdoor Learning Seasonal Virtual Workshop offers inspiring ideas for CCE for elementary teachers and their students. It will introduce promising practices from K-8 teachers that connect CCE to socio-emotional learning, Indigenous ways of knowing, climate justice, critical hope, and age-appropriate climate action.

Check out more free virtual workshops here.

Lethbridge & Area Métis Association AGM

Wednesday, Nov 6th 2024

5:00 pm

Family Ties Gathering Space

911 3 Ave N Lethbridge AB

Join us for the Lethbridge & Area Métis Association Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, at 5:00 PM. This is an opportunity to connect with community members, review the past year's achievements, and discuss our plans for the future.

All members are welcome to attend free of charge, however registration is required for planning purposes.

Indigenous Veterans Day

Friday, November 8th, 2024

Métis, First Nations, and Inuit people in Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country.

Find "Salute Our Veterans" flags around Lethbridge. Rod McLeod's flag can be seen by the Cavendish Farms arena.

Event Recap

Métis Ribbon Skirt Workshop Part 1- Sept 7th

We had a great group of friends come together to learn about the historical significance of the ribbon skirt to Métis people and everyone got to start making their skirt! It was a great day of community and creativity. Each participant did a wonderful job in the class and expressed themselves with unique fabrics and ribbon colours. We can't wait to have everyone come together again on October 19th and see your finished skirts!

Galt Museums Celebrating Indigenous Arts! - Sept 22nd

The Galt Museum held 3 different forms of Indigenous art workshops during the day. First was one hosted by Melanie Morrow, where we learned how to make Métis Dot Art! Participants all got a canvas to express their creativity. In the second workshop participants learned about Fish Scale Art from Maria Livingston. They used fish scales that had been cleaned and dyed by Maria herself. A practice that's been passed down to her from her mother and family. Unfortunately, the beading workshop instructor wasn't able to make it so that class will be rescheduled. We will keep an eye out for that date and let you know if there is space available!

Truth & Reconciliation Powwow - Sept 28/29

Did you see us at the T&R Powwow? Our table had the fur pelts of a beaver, fox, badger, skunk, and coyote on display for people to touch. Thank you to our volunteers for helping over the weekend, your support makes these events possible. Your help allows us to foster safe spaces for Métis People in the community.

We made buttons with Tou Lii Aafaan Kishchiitayakooshiw—‘Every Child Matters’ in Michif—for the community. We stand with all Indigenous Peoples in their healing journeys and encourage everyone to learn the truths of residential schools as a step toward meaningful reconciliation.

Community Feedback Surveys

Please help us determine the Lethbridge & Area Métis Community needs by completing the surveys linked below:

Events & Cultural Programming Survey

Métis Student Experience in Schools Survey

If you have trouble accessing a survey, contact coordinator@lethbridgemetis.com

www.lethbridgemetis.com

Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy