As we welcome the arrival of spring, I want to reflect on what this season represents for Métis in Alberta. Spring is a time of renewal. When the land begins to wake, families gather, and we look ahead with hope.

For those celebrating Easter this weekend, I extend my warmest wishes. May this season bring peace, connection, and renewal to you and your loved ones.

That spirit of renewal is reflected in the work we continue to do together. This week, our government proudly renewed our partnership with Parks Canada, ensuring our Citizens can continue to access national parks at no cost.

This is about more than access. It is about connection.

Renewing this agreement reflects what we have always known as Métis, reconciliation must include real access to our homelands, and the ability to share them with future generations.

As the weather warms, I encourage you to spend time on the land, reflect on our shared history, and reconnect with family and community.

President Andrea Sandmaier,  

Otipemisiwak Métis Government

Citizens' Council Meeting Minutes

Did you know that we are livestreaming our monthly Citizens’ Council Meetings? 

Information about the in-person and livestream viewing locations, as well as the date for April’s Citizens’ Council Meeting, will be available soon! 

We are also exploring avenues to increase the accessibility of our recorded Citizens’ Council meetings. Stay tuned for more information on when and where you can find all our recorded Citizens’ Council Meeting livestreams. 

NEW Parks Pass Hang Tags Now Available!

As part of the Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program and the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Parks Canada and the Métis Nation within Alberta, new Parks Pass hang tags are now available for Citizens.

These passes allow Citizens to enter numerous national parks across Alberta for free and replace the need for daily permits, so our Citizens no longer need to self-identify at gate entrances.

Passes should arrive within one month of the application date. As the previous passes expire on March 31, Citizens can still present their Citizenship card at the entry gate or kiosk to receive a free daily entry permit until their new hang tag arrives.

Residential And Day School Survivors: We Invite You

To Share Your Stories!

With the guidance of Survivors, family members, and the community, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government is launching an archival project to document the stories of Métis residential school Survivors.

This Project seeks to create a space for Métis stories to be heard, remembered, and respected. This archival project will create a resource for people to access and learn from our community members.

If you're comfortable, please fill out this form so our team can connect with you to continue the conversation.

 All registration details will remain confidential.

Gain The Skills You Need To Monitor Your Local Lake!

Apply to our Water Guardians Program for a chance to receive water monitoring training, and tuition for first aid training, and a boat license. Participants who complete their training and collect monthly samples between June 2026 and September 2026 will receive an honorarium. 

This program is presented in partnership with the Alberta Lake Management Society.

Conservation Land Access Dashboard

Eager to make the most of this winter season? Check out our Conservation Land Access Dashboard (CLAD) to break your cabin fever!

This online tool assists users in identifying conservation sites that permit activities such as camping, hunting, snowmobiling, and more.

Discover over 1,000 conservation 
sites across the Districts at albertametis.com/CLAD and plan your next adventure today!

Note: CLAD provides summaries for each site and is not the primary source of information. Please confirm acceptable activities with the managing organizations for the sites you wish to visit before your trip.

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. 

Free Prostate Cancer Screening For Métis Men

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to partner with the MAN VAN® to offer FREE prostate cancer screening. Prostate cancer screening is done through a simple blood test. 

Blood sugar, blood pressure, waist circumference measurements, and mental wellness checks will also be offered to all men aged 18 and up.

Join us at the Readymade Community Centre, just outside of Lethbridge, on:

April 29 from 2 p.m.–5 p.m.

April 30 from 12 p.m.–3 p.m.

No appointment necessary!

You will be entered to win 1 of 10 $250 gift cards!

For questions, please email aandrew@metis.org.

Child Health Strategy Survey 

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Health Department is developing a Child Health Strategy to guide future programs and resources for Métis children and families in Alberta. Your perspectives will help shape this important work.

We invite Métis parents, caregivers and community members (aged 18 and up) to complete our anonymous survey and share your experiences, priorities, and ideas. Your insights will help identify what is working well, where the gaps are, and what matters most for Métis children’s health and wellness in Alberta. 

Participants can enter to win a $250 gift card! 

To take the Child Health Survey or to learn more about our maternal and child health research, click the links below.

Land-Based QuitCore Program

Looking to shift your relationship 
with nicotine? Join the Land-Based QuitCore Program, a supportive weekend experience designed to help you reduce or quit commercial tobacco use.

Métis Crossing

May 8–10

Participants must arrive by 5 p.m. on Friday, and full weekend attendance
is required to qualify for the $500 Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) benefits card.

In partnership with Primary Care Alberta, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Health Department will host guided sessions focused on building tools and strategies to support your quitting journey, including managing triggers, stress, and strengthening support systems. Cultural activities will also be included throughout the weekend to enhance learning and connection.

To register contact: tobaccoreduction@metis.org.

Gear Up for School Program: Coming Soon!

April 27

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government Children and Family Services is excited to launch this year's Gear Up for School Program, supporting Métis families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

This program helps Métis children head into the school year prepared and ready to learn, with resources and supports tailored for preschool through Grade 6.

Get your family ready for the new school year!

Oskaya Ayamichikewak Young Readers Program

Storytelling has always been a pillar of our community. 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 offer young Métis readers four years old and younger a FREE BOOK every month!

Mamawi Pimohtetan – Building Resilience Through Connections

Strong connections are key indicators of a resilient and happy life.

With this in mind, the Justice Department of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has designed Mamawi Pimohtetan—meaning “walking together” in Cree.

This weekly men’s group is intended to empower Métis men by strengthening their connections to culture and community while addressing cycles of family violence.

On Monday evenings through April, all Métis men (Citizens or self-identified) aged 18 and up, are invited to join us virtually on Zoom to learn about boundaries, coping strategies, and healthy relationships while engaging in traditional Métis knowledge.


Join us virtually:

Mondays on Zoom from 7 p.m.–9 p.m.

February 2–April 20

To receive a registration link, email: justice@metis.org.

Please note that you may join the meeting at any time.

Calling All Métis Artists From Northern Alberta! 

If you’re an Otipemisiwak Métis Citizen and artist in the Peace River, Lower Athabasca, or Lesser Slave Lake territories, we want to connect with you!

Artists that live in Districts: 

13. Grande Prairie Métis District

14. Peace River Métis District

15. Fort Vermilion Métis District

16. Fort Chipewyan Métis District

17. Fort McMurray Métis District

18. Conklin Métis District

19. Lac La Biche Métis District

20. Athabasca Landing Métis District

21. Lesser Slave Lake Métis District

22. Wabasca-Desmarais Métis District

Please send us an email introducing yourself and your work to us: metisart@metis.org.

kisîhtoskâtonaw –
Métis Art Collective Makes Its Debut at ArtBus 2026

ArtBus returned to Edmonton on 
March 21, enabling art enthusiasts to explore the city’s vibrant art culture. The participants rode a designated ETS bus that connected them to nine art galleries around downtown displaying diverse artwork.

Patrons immersed themselves in artistic creations across genres. For artists, the event offered an elevated platform to showcase their creations.

A highlight of this year’s event was the debut of the kisîhtoskâtonaw Métis Art Collective, showcasing Métis culture, art, and stories. Krista Leddy, a consulting artist and member of the kisîhtoskâtonaw Métis Art Collective, told the CBC, 
“We are providing a hands-on introduction to Métis culture and stories. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit with people who love art.”

Battle Of The Bands At Alberta Métis Fest

Get your chance to perform and win 
up to $5,000!

Apply by May 2 by 5 p.m.

Requirements:

• At least one band member must be a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government
• Minimum of 3 performing members
• Submit an online application + music sample or video

5 bands will be selected to perform LIVE on Saturday, June 13, with guaranteed payouts — including a $5,000 grand prize!

Make sure to cheer on your favourite bands at Alberta Métis Fest, 
June 12–13 at Métis Crossing!

For more information, visit our website or email us at abmetisfest@metis.org.

Are You A Métis Artist?

Showcase your talent at the 8th Annual Alberta Métis Fest at Métis Crossing!

This opportunity is exclusive to Otipemisiwak Métis Citizens — a valid citizenship number is required to apply. Spaces are limited, so be sure to apply early!

Deadline to apply: 
April 26 at 11 p.m. 
(or when capacity is reached!)

Artist Market & Info Fair:

June 13

11 a.m.–7 p.m. 

Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake

Questions? Email us at abmetisfest@metis.org.

Not A Writer, But Still Want To Be Part Of Our Youth Anthology Book?

Now is your chance! We are looking for artists ages 12–29 to submit designs for both the cover of the book and pages inside!

Priority will be given to artists aged 18 and under. All artwork will be reviewed by the Anthology Project team, who will select pieces to be featured in the book. 

Deadline for all submissions is 
April 30.

Questions? Email Kirsten at kgreeley@metis.org 

Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative

Districts 5 And District 6:

Métis Career Fair With

First Responders

Have you ever thought of a rewarding career as a first responder? Come and meet some of the people who have been working in the field and see if it’s the right career for you!

Join us for a chance to explore career opportunities and learn more about life as a first responder from those out in the field.

April 18

10 a.m.–4 p.m.

The Confluence
750 – 9th Ave SE, Calgary 

For more information, please contact Secretary Lussier at nlussier@metis.org. 

Spring Break Family Getaway

Make memories this Spring Break at Métis Crossing! Book a Lodge stay starting at $99/person or a 
Sky Watching Dome at $130/person—with complimentary upgrades to family rooms for up to 3 children.

Enjoy skating, tubing, snowshoeing, and our Spring Equinox celebrations, including a free market, fireside dinner, and family brunch—valid March 15 to April 12.

Use promo code SPBK26 when booking.

Rethink Your Next Corporate Retreat

Tired of forgettable team-building days in hotel ballrooms? Métis Crossing offers something different: 668 acres of boreal land along the North Saskatchewan River where your team can train, connect, and experience genuine Métis culture.

From jigging together to stargazing in our Sky Watching Domes, your team will leave with stories, not just slide decks. It's team building that actually moves the needle.

Métis Crossing Workshops

Deepen your understanding of Métis traditional arts and crafts through our Métis workshops:

Repurpose Your Denim Jacket:

Traditional Métis Vest Workshop

Traditional Métis Plant Harvesting Protocols Workshop

Leather Crafting Workshop

Visions, Hopes, And 
Dreams At Métis Crossing Wildlife Tour

Get up close with white bison, wood bison, plains bison, elk, and Percheron horses on this one-of-a-kind guided SUV tour.

Led by a knowledgeable Métis Interpreter, this 1.5 hour year-round experience connects you to the deep cultural and spiritual ties between the Métis people and the land's heritage species.

It's more than a wildlife tour. It's a story waiting to be shared.

Register Your Kids For Métis Citizenship

Discover exciting cultural experiences, including family camps and youth hangouts. With your Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizenship, you can enjoy free access to national parks in Alberta!

Come to the provincial office (Delia Grey Building, 11738 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. We also offer extended hours:

April 11 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

April 14 from 8:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

April 25 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

April 28 from 8:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Or join us at one of our many upcoming registry drives across the province:

April 8 in Camrose from 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at Stoney Creek Centre

April 8 in Calgary from 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at Otipemisiwak Métis Government Calgary Office

April 9 in Calgary from 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre

April 14 in Olds from 4:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at Community Connection Centre

April 15 in Stettler from 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at Stettler Recreation Centre

April 16 in Onoway from 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at Onoway Museum and Heritage Centre

April 29 in Conklin from 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at Conklin Multiplex

April 30 in New Sarepta from 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at New Sarepta Agriplex

Stay up-to-date with future registry drives on our website: albertametis.com/registry-events.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

ELECT Program Coordinator

Family Engagement Coordinator

Family Engagement Manager – Early Learning Programs

Family Supports Coordinator

Family Preservation and Reunification Worker

Family Supports Implementation Coordinator – Early Learning Programs

Family Supports Manager – Early Learning Programs

Family Supports Supervisor

Land-Based and Mobile Learning Manager – Early Learning Programs

Métis Family Resource Worker

Mobile Learning Coordinator

Special Projects Manager – Early Learning Programs

Summer Children and Family Services C-92 Engagement Assistant

Summer Children and Family Services Communications Assistant

Summer Early Learners Engagement Assistant

Summer Early Learners Supports Assistant

Summer Métis Family Connections Assistant

Summer Métis Family Resource Assistant

COMMUNICATION & CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT

Communications Project Lead

Digital and Social Supervisor

Summer Junior Graphic Designer

Summer Photography Assistant

Summer Video Production Assistant

CONSULTATION

Consultation Historical Research Manager

Summer Consultation Research Assistant

CORPORATE FINANCE

Accounts Receivable Officer

ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE

Summer Conservation Field Assistant

Summer Forestry Field Assistant

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Summer Junior Executive Policy Analyst

FACILITIES & BUILDING OPERATIONS

Summer Facilities and Building Operations Project Assistant

Summer Systems Analyst

Summer Maintenance Associate

HUMAN RESOURCES

Summer Health & Safety Assistant

Summer Human Resources Assistant



INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Intergovernmental Relations Grants Coordinator

Intergovernmental Relations Project Manager

Métis Industry Relations Liaison

Summer Art Collective Assistant

Summer Language Programs Assistant

JUSTICE

Métis Community Outreach Navigator – Calgary

Métis Community Outreach Navigator – Edmonton

Summer Community Justice Assistant

OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN

Investigator – Office of the Ombudsman

REGISTRY

Project Administrator – Registry

RUPERTSLAND INSTITUTE

Director – Education, Training and Research

Métis Training and Education (MTE) Advisor

Assistant Manager (Calgary, AB)

Client Resources Assistant (Calgary, AB)

Job Coach

Provincial Project Coordinator

Métis Training and Education (MTE) Advisor – Calgary

Métis Training and Education (MTE) Advisor – Grande Prairie

Métis Training and Education (MTE) Advisor – Red Deer

Métis Training and Education (MTE) Advisor – Peace River

Otipemisiwak Métis Student and Alumni Engagement Coordinator

Otipemisiwak Métis Student and Alumni Services (OMSA) Summer Student

Provincial Project Coordinator

SELF GOVERNMENT

Clerk of the Citizens’ Council