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Dear Citizens,
As we close the year, I reflect with gratitude and optimism. This week, I met with Minister Gary Anandasangaree to strengthen our Government-to-Government relationship with Canada and ensure commitments under our Self-Government Agreements are upheld. These efforts are vital for a stronger, brighter future grounded in Métis rights and self-determination.
Thank you for your dedication to building a thriving Otipemisiwak Métis Government. This holiday season, I wish you a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with health, hope, and progress. Together, we will continue honouring our past and advancing our shared vision for the future.
Andrea Sandmaier
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Notice: Impact Of Canada Post Strike On Otipemisiwak Métis Government Programs
On November 15, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers announced that its members have gone on strike, disrupting operations at Canada Post.
Several programs administered by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government depend on Canada Post services, and as a result, there may be delays or disruptions to these programs.
If you are participating in any programs offered by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and have urgent concerns or questions, please contact your program representative.
We appreciate your understanding during this time.
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Secretary Spotlight: Jason Chernow
Jason Chernow, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Provincial Secretary of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management, was born into a proud Métis family with strong roots in Alberta’s Métis homeland.
His family names include Jobin, Dumas, Courtreille, Ferguson, among others, reflecting a rich Métis heritage.
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Guided by the strong matriarchs in his life, Jason grew up learning his traditional Métis culture from a young age.
He learned skills such as beading, jigging, and harvesting - knowledge that continues to shape his worldview. Today, Jason integrates these cultural experiences and traditional teachings into his work, ensuring that Métis values continue in a modern context.
Jason has used his voice to protect Métis rights and promote Métis culture, both within his community and on the world stage. This year, in October and November, Jason and technicians from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government supported the Métis National Council delegation in representing Métis voices, interests, and concerns at the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29).
The delegation participates in the International Indigenous Peoples Caucus to ensure Métis and other Indigenous voices are represented in key priority areas around land rights, self-determination, environmental conservation, climate action, and holding colonial governments accountable to the rights of Indigenous people.
Jason’s commitment to serving the Métis community is equally evident at home. At Citizens’ Council, he championed the creation of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Emergency Management Committee. This initiative addresses the emergency management needs of Métis Citizens in Alberta and led to the establishment of the government’s first-ever Natural Disaster Emergency Relief Fund. This fund provided direct support through the Districts to dozens of Métis individuals and families that had been evacuated due to wildfires in Fort McMurray and Jasper National Park this past summer.
Jason also represents Battle River Territory on the Legislative Proposal and Assessment Committee, where he ensures that the rights and interests of Métis in southern Alberta are represented in our laws.
It’s been a busy first year and Jason is excited to keep advocating for our rights to be recognized and protected, and to ensure that all levels of domestic and international policy making are inclusive of our voices.
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Citizen Spotlight: Annika Behnke | |
Annika (RIGHT) is pictured with Otipemisiwak Métis Government Secretary Shannon Dunfield and Chair of the Indigenous Sport Council Alberta. | |
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Annika Behnke, a Métis youth from the Peace River Territory, and her skating partner won Canada’s first-ever gold medal, and first-ever individual event medal at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea.
Annika was also the recipient of the Tom Longboat Award - Alberta Regional Female, at the Aboriginal Sport Circle’s inaugural National Indigenous Sports Gala.
The gala honours the achievements of Indigenous athletes, coaches and community with the Tom Longboat Regional and National recognition awards.
Amazing job, Annika!
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The True Canadians Podcast | | |
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Taking Métis Heritage To The World
Lorelei Higgins Parker, a proud Métis Citizen, recently won the title of Mrs. Unity World Elite at the world competition in New Delhi.
After noticing a lack of Métis representation on the international pageant stage, she worked to bring her culture to the world.
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As she explains to podcast host David Wylynko, Lorelei always has one foot firmly in the realm of advocacy, acting as a Canadian Indigenous anti-racism consultant and cultural mediator and a positive peace activator. | | |
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Métis Families, This One’s For You!
Discover Métis culture with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Culture Card Collection!
The cards are perfect for families with children. These cards explore Métis traditions, history, and culture.
This starter bundle includes:
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Series 1: Who Are the Métis?
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Series 2: Métis Mîcôwin (Foods)
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Eligibility:
- Alberta residents
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Legal guardians of children aged 0 – 11
- Parent/guardian or child must be a registered Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government
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If your family received the Series 1 Culture Cards previously, you are automatically eligible for the updated version.
To continue receiving the Culture Card Collection, please complete and submit the Address Verification Form.
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Exciting News For Little Métis Chefs!
Unleash your child’s creativity with Natoona Michif Pimatisiwin (Exploring Métis Culture) at Home: Little Métis Chefs!
Eligibility:
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Alberta residents with children aged 0 – 11
- Caregiver or child must be a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government
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What's included:
- Activity booklet featuring bannock recipes, hamburger soup, colouring pages, and more
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One Otipemisiwak Métis Government apron and one wooden spoon for each child aged 11 or under
- Bannock-in-a-bag ingredients kit
Don't miss out - register now while supplies last!
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Flourishing Futures Accessibility Grant For Métis Early Learners
Are you a caregiver of a Métis Early Learner seeking supports and services to help overcome learning barriers?
This program is designed to support Métis Early Learners aged 0 – 11 across Alberta.
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Register for the program to help cover the cost of services and supports to address common developmental, social, and emotional barriers to learning. | | |
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FASD Bridging Futures Program
Empowering Métis youth for a healthy, connected future!
Rooted in Métis culture, the FASD Bridging Futures Program supports Métis youth (aged 15 – 25) with FASD on their journey to adulthood.
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Eligibility: Métis youth in Alberta, with or without a diagnosis, willing to actively participate (caregiver consent may be required). Self-referrals welcome!
Have questions? Email fasd@metis.org
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Promoting And Increasing Cultural Safety
Register for our monthly engagements to share your thoughts as we travel across the province.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Consultation Department seeks input from women, youth (aged 16 – 29), and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Citizens!
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Participants are eligible for an honorarium. Register today—spots are limited! | |
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Women
December 14
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Youth
December 14
2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
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2SLGBTQQIA+
December 15
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Have Your Voice Heard On The National Urban Parks Program
Our Consultation Department is seeking input on how National Urban Parks (NUPs) can best serve our Métis Citizens.
The NUP program is the proposed implementation of a series of national parks located in urban areas across Canada, including Edmonton.
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These parks will be shaped through the lens of local contexts to promote community leadership.
We are specifically looking into three smaller projects within the Edmonton NUP: community gardens, Métis-led Guardians, and educational signage.
We aim to use the survey results to determine how a NUP can best benefit Métis Citizens.
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The Askîy Youth Monitor Submission Call-Out
The Askîy Youth Monitor Submission Call-Out is offering an opportunity for four new Askîy Youth Guardians.
The selected individuals will learn sustainable harvesting practices and scientific methods for monitoring fish health at Alberta lakes from February 16 – 22, 2025.
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Métis youth aged 18 – 29 are invited to apply.
To apply, share a brief essay, video, or other form of expression about yourself and explain why you want to join the Askîy Youth Guardians ice-fishing team.
Accommodations and meal expenses will be covered.
Application Deadline: December 15, 2024!
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Out Fishing? Tell Us About It!
We want to know about your fishing activities, what you’re catching, how the fish taste, and more.
Fill out any (or all) of our fishing forms between September 1 and December 31 and be entered to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card.
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Are You An ABHuntLog Winner? | |
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Check your ABHuntLog dashboard after December 2!
Don’t forget to complete the End of Season survey starting December 1, by logging into your ABHuntLog dashboard.
Participants using the “Métis Harvester” type are eligible for the draw, but a valid Otipemisiwak Métis Government citizenship number is required to claim prizes.
Thank you to everyone who contributed by logging observations and harvests, supporting wildlife monitoring and management in Alberta!
Questions about ABHuntLog? Email environment@metis.org
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Hunters' Role In Monitoring CWD In Alberta
Hunters play a key role in monitoring Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Alberta.
If you're a Métis harvester, we encourage you to submit deer heads for CWD testing as part of the Government of Alberta's CWD Surveillance Program.
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It's mandatory under Alberta’s hunting regulations and the Métis Harvesting in Alberta Policy to submit deer heads from the following Wildlife Management Units (WMUs): 148, 150, 151, 200, 234, 236, 728, and 730.
Learn more about CWD, the surveillance program, and carcass handling,
Happy and safe harvesting!
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Sustainability Tip: Eco–Friendly Gift Wrapping
Get creative by using recycled materials to wrap your gifts!
Many blogs provide innovative and environmentally conscious wrapping ideas.
Here's one example to inspire you:
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | |
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Don’t Wait - Get Screened Today!
A Pap test can help identify abnormal cells early, making cancer more treatable and improving health outcomes.
Women aged 25 – 69 are advised to have a Pap test every three years.
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We Can Help!
Caregivers carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Join us on Fridays, starting January 31, from 9 – 11:30 a.m. on Zoom, for Compass for the Caregiver.
Space is limited.
Register before January 22.
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The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to host The Caregivers Alberta’s award-winning COMPASS program to help caregivers balance their own well-being with the challenges of providing care.
Sessions will cover four modules:
• Being a Caregiver
• Managing Your Stress
• Balancing Relationships
• Navigating the Journey
For more information, contact our Community Wellness Coordinator, Gina Levasseur at GLevasseur@metis.org.
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We’re Here To Help You!
Looking to make a change in your nicotine use but unsure where to go for support?
Join us on Tuesday, January 28, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. for a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Program Info Session.
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This session will walk you through the steps required to enroll in the NRT Program.
Get your nicotine-related questions answered by our Community Prevention Practitioner, Kyla, who will help you begin your journey toward change on the right foot.
Attendees who complete the info session and two additional meetings with our Community Prevention Practitioner will be eligible to enroll in the NRT Program and receive a $500 Alberta Blue Cross Benefits Card for Nicotine Replacement Therapies and Cessation Medications.
Info Session: Tuesday, January 28, from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Meeting 1: Thursday, January 30, from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Meeting 2: Tuesday, February 4, from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Register by January 27; for more information, contact Kyla at KHachey@metis.org.
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Get Ready For An Exciting New Episode Of The Keeping It Riel Podcast!
In episode 2 we sit down with Hanna Paul from Buttertown (North Vermilion Settlement) for an engaging conversation you won’t want to miss!
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Save the Date!
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the Department of Youth Programs and Services are excited to announce the 9th Annual Youth and Seniors Gathering, taking place February 21 – 23 in Edmonton.
Registration opens January 7 at 10 a.m.
Spots are limited.
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This event brings together youth (aged 12–29) and seniors (aged 60+) from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government to share knowledge, participate in workshops, and connect with influential speakers and performers. | | | | |
Find Your Citizens' Representative Or District Captain | |
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Rocky View Métis District 4
Attend a Transition Question and Answer Session, where elected officials from the Rocky View Métis District will meet with local Citizens to discuss the transition to the new Otipemisiwak Métis Government and address any remaining questions.
Refreshments will be provided.
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December 15 in Okotoks* from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.at the Viking Rentals Centre in the Olympic Room.
*Diamond Valley Citizens, please RSVP to Okotoks.
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December 16 in Cochrane from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the SLS Centre in the Hillside Room | |
We look forward to discussing the exciting future ahead. | |
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Your voice matters, and together we can create meaningful change for a brighter future!
This effort is key to introducing Métis culture to all learners and meeting our community’s needs.
Experiences and insights are vital in helping us understand what’s happening in our schools.
The Rocky View, Calgary Elbow, and Calgary Nose Hill Métis Districts invite grandparents, parents, teachers, school trustees, and students to share your perspectives on education from a Métis viewpoint.
Survey input will help shape a more inclusive educational experience.
We aim to learn from existing effective practices and explore ways to further integrate Métis history and perspectives into education.
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Deadline Extended: Métis Education Foundation Awards
The Métis Education Foundation holds two internal awards for Métis scholars, the Early Learning and Child Care Award, and the Métis Scholar Award.
Both award close December 16 at 11:59 p.m.
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The Early Learning and Child Care Award is intended for Métis Citizens who are currently enrolled in a full-time certificate, diploma, undergraduate, or graduate program in Early Learning and Child Care.
This award supports individuals advancing their education and careers in child development, allowing them to positively impact young children’s lives and the broader community.
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The Métis Scholar Award is designed for Métis Citizens who are pursuing excellence in academic, artistic, or athletic fields at the provincial, national, or international level, with the aim of enhancing their personal life experiences.
This award also seeks to bring recognition to the Métis community in Alberta by supporting individuals whose achievements highlight Métis contributions to various sectors.
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Healthcare Entry Level Cohort Training Initiative
We want to hear about your interest in the growing healthcare industry, which requires dedicated individuals to provide essential services to the community.
We're assessing interest in a six-month healthcare training program cohort to prepare you for entry-level roles with Alberta Health Services.
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At Rupertsland Institute (RLI), we are developing a new healthcare centered initiative and we want your feedback. | |
Calling All Métis Students And Alumni Artists! | |
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This is your chance to design an exclusive moccasin pattern for Rupertsland Institute and have it become official RLI merchandise.
Let your creativity shine—the winner will receive a custom RLI Swag Bag and the opportunity to showcase their artwork, representing RLI and leaving a mark on Métis fashion!
For questions, email communications@rupertsland.org
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Reach New Heights With In-Flight Data And Rupertsland Institute!
This dynamic training program was developed in response to the growing demand for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) technology to serve and protect our lands and the communities that call it home.
Métis-owned and operated, In-Flight Data offers proven industry training and is proud to serve Métis Citizens through this innovative program.
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Eligible participants of this 9-week program will receive:
- Advanced RPAS Pilot Training recognized by Transport Canada
- Transport Canada Advanced RPAS Flight Testing
- Industry-related training to enhance RPAS certification
- Opportunities for networking within the industry and community through workshops and guest speakers to facilitate employment as a Drone Pilot
- All programming will be grounded in Métis Land-Based and Cultural Learning, including Rupertsland’s Métis Foundational Themes.
Questions? Reach out to communications@rupertsland.org
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Stay Informed And Never Miss An Important Update From Us
Ensure your contact information is up to date by using our Contact Information Portal to update your Otipemisiwak Métis Government citizenship profile.
Citizens need to have an email address already on file to receive a confirmation code during the log in process.
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