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The Métis have always been innovators and builders, from the fur trade to today’s critical minerals and oil and gas sectors. Yet, for too long, we’ve been sidelined from decisions about our lands and resources. That is changing now.
In Toronto at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference, I made it clear: the Métis are not passive observers, we are partners. We demand an equity stake in major projects, securing our future with own-source revenues, creating jobs, and growing Métis businesses.
We stand firm on our rights under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. Companies must involve us early and consult with us throughout the process. We need support to fully engage in these complex discussions, rebuild trust, and secure the future of our communities.
Get involved, stay informed, and together we will build a prosperous future for the Métis.
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Citizens Spotlight
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Regional Aboriginal Recognition Awards! On Saturday, March 1, four McMurray Métis Local members were among the award recipients, recognizing the positive contributions they have made to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. We appreciate your work to build your community, reach excellence, and support positive change.
President Kelly Myers – Leadership Award
Dolores Romanchuk – Volunteer Award
Ethan Paulin-Hatch – Outstanding Athlete Award
Itayjia MacLean – Female Youth Citizen Award
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Notice Of Candidates
The candidates for the 2025 Spring By-Elections for Rocky View Métis District and Wabasca-Desmarais Métis District have been determined. Find out who is running for Citizens’ Representative and District Captain!
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Voting Information
Find out how to cast your ballot in the Spring District By-Elections!
Note: The District where you are eligible to vote is determined by your physical address, not your mailing address. Ensure your address is correct by going to the Citizen Contact Information Portal.
In-Person Voting
All polling stations will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Addresses are to be determined and additional locations may be announced at a later date.
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Rocky View Métis District
There will be 4 polling locations:
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Airdrie: April 11–13, 2025
- Okotoks: April 13, 2025
- Cochrane: April 13, 2025
- Strathmore: April 13, 2025
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Wabasca-Desmarais Métis District
There will be 1 polling location:
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Mail-In Voting
A mail-in ballot package will be mailed to the address on file of each Citizen that is eligible to vote.
Rocky View Métis District
If a mail-in ballot is not received, or a replacement is required, contact the Chief Electoral Office by email or phone no later than 10 days prior to April 13. Mail-in ballots may be returned in advance and must be received by the close of voting on April 13, 2025.
Wabasca-Desmarais Métis District
If a mail-in ballot is not received, or a replacement is required, contact the Chief Electoral Office by email or phone no later than 10 days prior to April 7. Mail-in ballots may be returned in advance and must be received by the close of voting on April 7, 2025.
Electronic Voting
Rocky View Métis District
Electronic voting will be open from April 6–13, 2025.
Wabasca-Desmarais Métis District
Electronic voting will not be available.
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The True Canadian Podcast | | |
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Latest Episode: Honouring Métis Youth and Women
In this episode, Bailey Oster shares with host David Wylynko her journey from being a “broke college kid” to becoming a delegate at the United Nations. She also reflects on the tremendous success of the book she managed to edit alongside Marilyn Lizee, Stories of Métis Women: Tales My Kookum Told Me.
Visit the website to read more and listen to the episode!
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Better Together: A Virtual Kitchen Table
Join us for our next FASD Caregiver Connect Night, a safe and supportive space for Métis parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
- Share experiences
- Gain valuable resources
- Learn more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
- Connect with others who truly understand your journey
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Matriarchs Of The Métis Nation
Guest speaker Kirsten Letendre’s Métis roots run deep in Lac Ste. Anne. An avid harvester and outdoorswoman, she will be talking about the roles Métis women played in our history—from the first women of the fur trade to present day women and everything in between!
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Navigating FASD Webinar
Tune in to hear University of Calgary researcher Tamara Bodnar share cutting-edge research findings on the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure, explore strategies for improving health outcomes for people living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and discuss the importance of culturally informed approaches in education and support.
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FASD Bridging Futures Program
Rooted in Métis culture, the FASD Bridging Futures Program supports Métis youth (ages 15–25) with FASD on their journey to adulthood. Through a collaborative approach, we provide resources, transition support, and connection to Métis culture.
Eligibility: Métis youth in Alberta, with or without a diagnosis, willing to actively participate (caregiver consent may be required).
Self-referrals welcome!
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Day Home Startup Pilot Program Applications
This program supports Métis Citizens in opening and operating day homes by offering personal and financial assistance, guidance through licensing, and Métis Cultural Awareness training.
If you are a Métis Citizen within Alberta and interested in this exciting opportunity, apply today!
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Youth Night: Bead Wrapped Wristlets
Join us for a fun and hands-on youth night where you'll create your own bead-wrapped wristlet lanyard! By the end of the session, you'll have a unique, handcrafted lanyard to take home!
Métis Youth ages 12–29 from any district are welcome to register!
Questions? Email Bailey at blohmann@metis.org
or Rylee at rsargeant@metis.org
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Share Your Skills
And Knowledge With
Métis Youth!
Are you interested in sharing your skills and knowledge with Métis youth?
Please fill out this form so we can learn more about you to bring new teachers and projects to our youth!
Please contact kolson@metis.org for more information
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Promoting & Increasing Cultural Safety
Consultation Department wants to hear from our women, youth (ages 16 to 29 years old), 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 with us as we travel throughout the province. Participants are eligible for an honorarium.
Register today - spots are limited!
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Calgary
Women: March 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Youth: March 22, 2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
2SLGBTQQIA+: March 23, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
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Our Consultation Department Wants To Hear From You!
The Eastern Slopes Forestry Industrial Activity survey seeks to gather important information about traditional Métis land use within forestry management units, specifically in the Eastern Slopes, to ensure that Métis perspectives are effectively integrated into forestry applications and offsetting plans.
The survey information will support efforts to protect Section 35 rights of our Métis Citizens and protect vital fish habitats.
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Fish Health Monitoring
Out fishing? Tell us about it! Fill out our fishing forms between January 1 and March 31 and be entered to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card.
Your submissions support our Fish Community Monitoring StoryMap, a Citizen resource with info on popular fishing spots, recommended seasons for fishing, and more.
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Species At Risk Engagement Sessions
Do you have concerns about the well-being of animals or plants in Alberta? Want to learn about species at risk legislation?
From March 26 to April 16, share your thoughts at an Environment and Climate Change Department’s species at risk engagement session!
Families are welcome to attend, and we’ll have activities for children at each engagement. Please note that dedicated childcare is not available.
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For those who are travelling to attend, we are happy to provide a travel stipend of $50 if you are travelling 50-99 km or $100 if your journey is over 100 km.
Our upcoming engagement sessions are as follows:
Fort McMurray: March 26, 2025, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
Online (Zoom): March 29, 2025, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Medicine Hat: April 5, 2025, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Calgary: April 6, 2025, 12 p.m. –3 p.m.
Online (Zoom): April 9, 2025, 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
Edmonton: April 12, 2025, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
High Level: April 15, 2025, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
Questions? Connect with us at environment@metis.org
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | |
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Call For Engagement Support! Your Voice Matters!
Alberta is embarking on a transformative journey to reshape primary care, and they need to hear from Métis voices like yours. This is your opportunity to contribute to the future of healthcare in our province.
You don’t need to be a health professional to participate. Your lived experience as a Métis Citizen is what truly counts.
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March 12, 2025
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual (Zoom) – A link will be provided upon registration
Don’t miss out register today and be part of this important conversation!
How to Register:
Please email the following details to health.maps@gov.ab.ca:
- Preferred Session: March 12 Virtual Session (Otipemisiwak Métis Government)
- Full Name
- Organization: Otipemisiwak Métis Government
- Contact Email
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Exciting Research Opportunity, $6,000 Fellowship Grant
The Rupertsland Centre for Métis Research (RCMR) is offering a $6,000 Research Fellowship Grant for scholars and postdoctoral researchers committed to advancing Métis-specific research.
Who Can Apply? Scholars or postdoctoral researchers from recognized post-secondary institutions, or independent scholars with a PhD or equivalent, undertaking Métis specific research.
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Please note: this competition is not open to graduate students
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025.
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Participate In Statistics Canada's New National Study
Statistics Canada is conducting a new national study on palliative care, Living with a Life-limiting Illness: Access to Care and Related Experiences, to better understand the experiences and access to care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their unpaid caregivers.
Complete the survey by March 31, 2025. Results will be released in Autumn 2025.
If you have questions, please contact infostats@statcan.gc.ca.
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Join Us For The Métis District 7 Free Dental Clinic And Community Gathering!
This event is about bringing our community together, improving health, and enjoying quality time with friends.
Come for an appointment - stay for the gathering!
Note: Appointment spaces are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to individuals experiencing distressing symptoms and dental emergencies.
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Financial Assistance For Funeral Costs
If you have lost an immediate family member and are struggling with funeral expenses, the Benevolence Fund may provide financial relief of $500. To qualify, you or the deceased must be an Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen, you must be next of kin of the deceased, and financially responsible for the funeral.
Applications must be submitted within 4 months of the passing.
Processing takes up to 6 weeks.
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Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative | |
Jasper House Métis District Community Gathering | | |
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Métis Winter Festival
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government - District Councils of Rocky View, Nose Hill, and Elbow, along with the City of Airdrie are excited to share this celebration of Métis culture with all.
This community gathering will feature musical performances from renowned Métis Fiddler Alex Kusturok and jigging performances. Métis Elders and Historians will share Métis culture and history from the Rocky View Métis District area (which of course, includes Airdrie). Métis cuisine, family activities, bannock making, and family skating (weather permitting) will also be on site.
Everyone welcome, no registration required!
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Alberta MétisWorks Business Mixer & Summit
Are you a Métis business owner? Are you thinking about starting a business? Or are you just interested in learning more about Métis business?
Join us March 28 and 29 at Coast Nisku Inn and Conference Centre.
It is an opportunity to connect with other Alberta Métis business owners and discover the benefits of being an Alberta MétisWorks member. Presentations will be given by Procurement Canada, Rupertsland Institute, Apeetogosan, Atco, and others.
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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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Little Friends -
Early Learning Funding
Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government can now apply for funding support with their preschool and kindergarten fees! Up to $100/month per successful applicant available.
Requirements:
- Preschool and kindergarten registered learners
- Caregiver or learner’s Otipemisiwak Métis Citizenship number
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For more information, please sign up or log-in to the RECC Room. | | | | |
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