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This week, we celebrated the strength, spirit, and heart of our Citizens.
At the King Charles III Coronation Medal Ceremony, 26 Métis Citizens were honoured for their contributions to Canada and to our government. From artists and educators to Elders and youth leaders, these recipients represent the best of who we are.
We also celebrated two of our own as Indspire Award recipients. Citizens whose work in education, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation is making a national impact.
These recognitions are truly a reflection of our community’s resilience, our commitment to culture, and the power of lifting each other up.
To all our recipients: thank you. You remind us that our greatest strength will always be our people.
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Notice Of Vote
On June 16–23, 2025, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government will be holding District Captain and District Council elections.
Don’t miss this chance to help shape the future of our Nation and run for District Council!
Submit your nomination papers by May 5 before 5 p.m.
District Captain and Council elections will be held for Medicine Hat Métis District and St. Albert Métis District.
| | District Council elections will be held for Foothills Métis District, Jasper House Métis District, Fort Edmonton Métis District, and Lac La Biche Métis District. | | | | |
Secretary Spotlight:
With deep roots in the Métis community and over 30 years of experience in education, health, and sport, Secretary Shannon Dunfield is a powerful force for change. Originally from Kelly Lake and now a long-time resident of Grande Prairie, Shannon has dedicated her life to uplifting Indigenous communities—especially through youth and sport initiatives.
From leading the Indigenous Sport Council Alberta to bringing national tournaments to Alberta for the first time, her impact has been felt across the country. Now, as Secretary of Records for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, she’s working to ensure transparency and accessibility through a new Public Registry system.
Discover how Shannon’s leadership, passion, and heritage continue to shape a stronger future.
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Citizen's Spotlight:
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to celebrate Colby Delorme and Madelaine McCracken, who are this year’s Indspire Award Winners!
Madelaine McCracken teaches Indigenous histories and perspectives, ensuring Métis-specific research is grounded in conversational and ethical research.
Colby Delorme actively puts Indigenous values at the heart of his every entrepreneurship opportunity. He shares his perspective on Indigenous cultural authenticity, mentorship, and development.
Congratulations to you both on your well-deserved success! You've worked incredibly hard for this achievement and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to honour your achievements.
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Celebrate Spring With Our Virtual Easter Scavenger Hunt
We've hidden six digital bunnies across our website—explore our programs and services to find them all!
How to Enter:
Visit albertametis.com to start your search.
Direct message us on Facebook or Instagram with the six pages where you found the bunnies.
Get entered into our Easter Giveaway!
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Prizes:
Three lucky winners will receive an Easter basket filled with Otipemisiwak Métis Government swag! Pick up will be available at the Provincial Office.
Winners announced: April 22
One entry per person. Happy hunting!
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Support Métis Artists At Our Spring Métis Market!
Check out an array of Métis-made artisanal products at the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Spring Métis Market on May 3 at Kingsway Mall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The market will be taking place in the HyperPOP space at Kingsway Mall in Edmonton, located on the upper level near Marshalls.
We hope to see you there!
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Experience a Métis cultural gathering and a banquet on Friday evening. Registration includes free food as well as free hotels for non-local participants.
Entry in the games is open exclusively to Otipemisiwak Métis Citizens, and spots are limited. Each youth may register for only one sport.
Don’t miss out!
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Join Us For The 26th Annual Golf Tournament
June 19
Cattails Crossing
24427 Township Rd 542
Register your team or become a sponsor to support the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Benevolent Fund, helping our grieving Citizens during their time of loss.
Sign up a team of four, become a sponsor, or learn more by contacting
Taylor Masters-Hall: 780-455-2200/ tmasters@metis.org
Let's come together for a great cause and to enjoy a fantastic golf day!
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Métis Cup—Save The Date!
The 3rd Annual Métis Cup will take place at the Terwillegar Rec Centre in Edmonton from August 1 to 3, 2025.
Registration opens on Wednesday, April 30 at 10 a.m. at metiscup.ca for Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government aged 7 to 15.
Join us for this co-ed, 3-on-3 hockey tournament and experience a culturally rich, community-focused festival.
All skill levels are welcome!
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We Want To Hear From You!
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Consultation Department wants to hear from our women, youth (aged 16 to 29), and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Citizens!
We want to better understand how we can help these groups connect with their Métis community and culture. Attend one of our monthly engagements and share your thoughts as we travel throughout the province. Participants are eligible for an honorarium.
Register today - spots are limited!
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Join us: Red Deer
Women: April 26, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Youth: April 26, 2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
2SLGBTQQIA+: April 27, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
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Get Involved: Transition Information Sessions!
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is pleased to invite Citizens from Conklin Métis District 18 and Lac La Biche Métis District 19 to the upcoming Transition Information Sessions.
These meetings are opportunities for Citizens to discuss the upcoming transition to the new government with District Elected Officials, the Self-Government team, and the Chief Electoral Officer.
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Want To Learn Vital Recovery Methods For Endangered Bat Species In Alberta?
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Consultation Department is hosting an engagement session to provide Citizens with information about three bat species in our province that are classified as endangered.
The Bats of Alberta Training and Supporting (BATS) program offers valuable tools and educational materials about the Silver-Haired Bat, Eastern Red Bat, and the Hoary Bat, along with key restoration strategies that can help revitalize these species.
Register today for the BATS program’s upcoming virtual educational session:
May 14, 4 p.m.– 6 p.m. Virtual Educational Session
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Save The Date: Connecting Through Culture
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Children and Family Services (CFS) Department is excited to announce the Summer 2025 date for the Connecting Through Culture Family Retreat at Métis Crossing!
Applications open Sunday, April 27 at 10 a.m.
For more information, please contact the Early Years team at CFSEarlyYears@metis.org.
| | Eligible families will be selected on a first come, first-served basis, and must be residents of Alberta, and at least one family member must be a Citizen of The Otipemisiwak Métis Government with at least one attending child aged 17 or younger. | | | |
Together in Caregiving Conference
Are you a kinship, foster, or adoptive caregiver of a Métis child (aged 0–17)? Join us for a family-friendly weekend of cultural connection, learning, and support.
May 23–25, 2025
Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake, AB
Eligibility: Alberta caregivers of Métis
children (Otipemisiwak Métis Citizen)
Includes: Cultural teachings, caregiver networking, and support resources
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Space is limited; selected participants will be contacted.
Please email mfrp@metis.org if you have any questions or concerns.
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Youth To Adult Transition Support
Rooted in Métis culture, the FASD Bridging Futures Program supports Métis youth (aged 15–25) with FASD on their journey to adulthood. Through a collaborative approach, we provide resources, transition support, and connection to Métis culture.
Self-referrals are welcome!
| | Eligibility: Métis youth in Alberta, with or without a diagnosis, willing to actively participate (caregiver consent may be required). | | | |
Ignite Your Child’s Imagination With Exciting New Books!
Early learning and literacy build the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.
To support literacy amongst our young ones, we have partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to send young Métis readers a FREE BOOK every month!
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Youth Night—Craft Night!
To celebrate the (hopeful) end of Edmonton's many winters (for now), come join us at the Youth Building for a craft night of painting terracotta pots!
This project is the perfect way to start your garden prep for the year, and is even more perfect if you attended our seed planting night a few weeks ago!
Registration is encouraged but not required. Pots and paint will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own.
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Join Us for Our Monthly Beading Circle!
Meet the last Thursday of every month in Calgary! Come bead, learn, and connect over tea & bannock —whether you're a beginner or experienced beader, everyone is welcome!
Bring your beading project or start fresh with supplies provided! Open to all, especially Métis youth (aged 12–29)!
Questions? Contact Kristen Acuna at kacuna@metis.org
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Métis Young Adults—Let’s Hang Out!
Our next gathering is just around the corner, and we want YOU there!
Join us for a fun night of food, games, and good company at The Rec Room South Edmonton Common.
Spots are limited, so register now!
April 30, 2025
6 p.m.–8 p.m.
South Commons Rec Room
1725 99 St NW, Edmonton, AB
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For Métis Citizens aged 18–29 from any & all Districts
Registration goes live April 22 at 12 p.m. (Noon)! Register through our Linktree.
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Take Our Survey!
Harvested migratory birds in 2024? Don’t forget to complete the Migratory Bird Harvesting
Reporting your harvest is an easy way to support management and conservation efforts. Participants can also enter a giveaway to win 1 of 11 Visa gift cards.
Questions? Please contact Jac Curry at: environment@metis.org
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Save The Date: Community Plant Walks
Join Métis cultural educator Natalie Pepin on a Community Plant Walk!
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of local plants’ cultural significance and contemporary and traditional uses.
Check out our upcoming walk schedule at
albertametis.com/plant-walks.
Please note that you’ll only be able to register once sign-up opens on April 25.
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Each family-friendly walk involves a combination of standing and sitting and runs for three hours. Please bring a portable chair and a reusable water bottle. Extra water will be available.
As this is a longer, listening-oriented event, we encourage interested families to assess if its format is a good fit for their households.
Questions? Please contact environment@metis.org
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Sustainability Tip: Healthier Easter Eggs
Bring springtime cheer to your kitchen with naturally dyed Easter eggs!
First, determine which foods produce the dyes you need. For example, grape juice yields an egg-cellent lavender.
Next, add two tablespoons of white vinegar to one litre of water, followed by the dye ingredient. While it simmers for 30 minutes, add one layer of hard-boiled eggs to a jar or baking dish.
After the resulting dye has cooled, strain it and submerge the eggs.
Steep the eggs for two to three hours for softer colours. For richer hues, soak them in the fridge overnight.
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | | |
Are You Navigating Cancer? You Are Not Alone.
Navigating cancer can be challenging, but support is available. Wellspring Alberta’s Indigenous Cancer Sharing Circle provides a safe and welcoming space for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults living in Alberta.
Whether you have been impacted by cancer yourself or through supporting a loved one, this monthly virtual gathering is co-led by an Elder or Knowledge Keeper and a Wellspring program leader, and ensures no one has to face cancer alone.
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First Monday of every month
2 p.m.–3:30 p.m. MST.
Virtual and open to all Indigenous peoples
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Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative | | | | |
Call for Métis Artists—The Lodge at Métis Crossing
Métis Crossing is inviting Métis artists to contribute their creative vision to The Lodge at Métis Crossing. This is more than just wall art—it’s an opportunity to share Métis stories, culture, and traditions in a space where guests will experience them firsthand.
We are seeking original artwork for guest rooms that will provide visitors with a deeper connection to the Métis way of life.
Why Get Involved?
Permanent Display: Your work will become part of The Lodge’s lasting cultural experience.
Compensation: Budgets range from $1,500 – $3,500 per room.
Creative Freedom: Submissions can include painting, beading, sculptural work (wooden paddles, feathers, leather, hide), photography, collage, and more.
Thematic Storytelling: Share stories about Métis history, families, land and water relations, entrepreneurship, and creative expression.
SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN! Send your portfolio and concept to gberg@metis.org
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Rupertsland Institute And Portage College Custodial Skills Training
Sweep into a new career with Rupertsland Institute and Portage College.
This comprehensive six-week custodial training program is designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge for effective and safe performance of their duties.
Throughout the training, students will earn safety tickets, learn proper safety protocols, and visit different work sites that require custodial support.
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All training takes part at Portage College in Lac La Biche.
Applications close April 25, 2025.
For more information about this program, please email Bella at bbrereton@rupertsland.org
| | Early Learning Education Childcare Training (ELECT) | | |
The program teaches participants authentic Métis ways of being and helps early learning educators to weave authentic Métis education into their early learning spaces.
Early learning educators, administrators and/or those in key positions are invited to apply for the 2025–2026 program.
- Métis culture, history, Michif, Land-Based Learning and more
- Online and In-Person for No-Cost
- Certificate of Completion
- For inquiries, please email earlylearning@rupertsland.org.
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Stay Informed—Update Your Profile!
Is your contact info up to date? Update your Citizenship Profile via our Contact Information Portal.
Need an email or need to update it? Contact registry@metis.org.
Already have an email? Log in with a confirmation code. It’s quick, easy, and keeps you connected.
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