President's Corner

Dear Citizens,

Our Inaugural Citizens’ Gathering as the Otipemisiwak Métis Government was a tremendous success. We had more than 700 Citizens at last weekend’s annual assembly of the Métis Nation within Alberta—a result that speaks to the strong presence of our people and joint commitment to advance Métis rights and interests.

At the gathering, our government shared many important announcements about the progress that’s been made towards self-government. This included departmental updates, which can be reviewed in our annual report, along with news about developments with the federal and provincial governments.

Over the next 12 months, our government will continue to work hard to support every one of you as we strive to see the dreams of our ancestors realized.

You can read more about this year’s Citizens’ Gathering here.

Sincerely,

President Andrea Sandmaier

Let us stand together to ensure that Metis victims receive the respect, support, and justice they rightfully deserve.

Join Us In Standing Up For Justice And Accountability For The Métis In Alberta!

The recent decision by the Parole Board of Canada to grant Roger Bilodeau day parole has deeply troubled us, but we're not staying silent.

Sign our petition to urge the Federal Government to prioritize the voices of Métis victims. Together, we can make a difference.

Sign Here

Sustaining Our Future

Calling ALL Citizens! We Want To Hear From You!

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Consultation, Environment & Climate Change, and Harvesting departments want to gain a better understanding of our Citizens’ land-use and harvesting practices.

All Citizens, not just active harvesters, are encouraged to fill out our Land-Use and Harvesting Rights Citizen-Wide Survey!

Those who complete the survey can provide their name, email, and Citizen number to be entered to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards!

If you have any questions, please reach out to environment@metis.org.

Complete Survey

Askiy Berry Health Community Monitor Program. Help us keep an eye on berry health and productivity across Alberta!

Participate Today

Out Picking Berries?

Fill out our Berry Harvesting Trip form to help us learn how the plants we value are impacted by human activities, weather patterns, and climate change.

Draws will be held and all prizes distributed by December 2024.

To show our appreciation, all Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens who submit forms by November 30, 2024 will be entered into a draw for a $250 Cabela’s gift card.

Help Protect Alberta's Fish And Their Habitat

We’re keeping tabs on Alberta’s fish so they can be enjoyed by future generations.

Fill out any (or all!) of our fishing forms between May 15 to August 31 and be entered to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card.

One gift card is available for each of the three forms (fishing trip, fish measurement & health, and palatability), so make sure to submit!

Read our StoryMap to learn more!

Askîy Fishing Trip Report

Askîy Fish Measurement & Health Report

Askîy Palatability Report

Help Protect Alberta's Fish And Their Habitat

The Conservation Land Access Dashboard (CLAD) allows users to easily identify conservation sites that permit activities such as camping, traditional plant gathering, hunting, fishing, ATV, and horseback riding.

Discover over 1,000 conservation lands near you.Go to albertametis.com/CLAD to 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 managing organizations for sites you are interested in visiting before your trip.

Explore Today

Sustainability Tip Of The Week

As the back-to-school season approaches, it's the perfect time to embrace eco-friendly habits that not only benefit the environment but also teach valuable lessons to our children about sustainability.

Here are some simple yet impactful tips for buying school supplies:

Take stock of what you already have before going out and getting everything on the school supply lists.
Consider what items your child used a lot last year and adjust your shopping list accordingly.
It’s easy to get swept up in new trends and sales but stay away from plastic “fashionable” fad items.
Before buying something ask yourself, “Do I need this?” or “Am I still going to have/want this in six months?”.
Consider buying second-hand or repurposed school supplies such as textbooks, backpacks, and clothing.
Pack lunches with minimal packaging and use reusable containers. Avoid single-use plastics like Ziploc bags and try beeswax wrapping instead of Saran Wrap.

Learn More About Environment & Climate Change Programs

Pathway To Healthy Living

Be A Métis Citizen Voice For Change!

The Government of Alberta is recruiting members to participate in 12 Regional Advisory Councils as they explore options to refocus our province’s healthcare system. Métis perspectives are needed to establish local and community priorities to improve the healthcare system.

The Regional Advisory Councils will represent their communities’ perspectives and the unique needs of each region.

Our Citizen’s input is needed more than ever! We encourage Alberta Métis Citizens who are 18 years or older to apply with a resumé highlighting their past involvements/achievements in the community. Selected council members will meet 4 – 6 times per year (in-person/virtual) and may be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses while performing their duties.

Apply before August 30 for a possible Fall 2024 appointment.

Learn more about this critical role and eligibility.

Submit your application today.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Information Zoom Sessions.

Start Your Journey Of Change On The Right Foot

We’re here to help you.

Join us for the Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Program Info Session.

This session will walk you through the steps required to enroll in the NRT Program.

Tuesday, September 10

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Get your nicotine-related questions answered by our Community Prevention Practitioner, Kyla, who will help you start your journey of change on the right foot.

Email Kyla before September 9 to register at KHachey@metis.org

Learn More

Experience Holistic Healing Through Our Unique Métis Traditions!

Engage in a range of activities including guided plant walks, wildlife tours, canoe adventures, Michif & Cree prayer songs, tea blending, crafts, and connection through kinship ties.

This retreat is a unique opportunity to connect with the land and learn about Métis history and culture.

September 20 – 22

Métis Crossing

Spots are limited for Citizens aged 16 and up.

For more information, please email Gina at Glevasseur@metis.org.

A path towards healing. Virtual Healing Circles For Metis Survivors.

We Invite Métis Survivors To Join Us On A Path Toward Healing

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and community support, guided by expert facilitators from the Weaving Wellness Centre in our Virtual Healing Circles.

Thursdays, Sept. 19 – Oct. 24

4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Zoom

This six-week program is designed to foster healing, resilience, and empowerment where you will delve into crucial topics addressing the unique experiences and challenges faced in the Métis community. Participants can engage in as many sessions as they choose.

Our facilitators are committed to creating a safe and supportive space. We aim to help you engage authentically and share your stories, drawing strength from the collective wisdom of the group.

Learn More

Learn More About Health Programs

Family Building

Gear Up For School

Apply now for the 2024/2025 Gear Up for School program.

If you have any inquiries about the program or need assistance with the application process, please don't hesitate to reach out to a member of the CFS Early Years Team at CFSEarlyYears@metis.org or give us a call at 780-455-2200.

We're here to help!

Learn More About CFS Programs

Citizen Spotlight

Congratulations Lenora Missal!

Lenora started as a General Merchandise Clerk at Loblaws in 2000 and after over 23 years of hard work and dedication, she has become Owner of the St. Paul No Frills location.

We love seeing our Citizens succeed and make a difference in their communities.

Thank you Lenora for all that you do!

Affiliates

Metis Mingle, Building Blocks for Family, Well-Being, and Culture. In-Person Event

Learn More

Districts

Find your Citizens’ Council Representative or District Captain!

Citizens' Council

District Council

Notice Of Vote

To learn more about the vote, including the process for nominations or how to request voting assistance, visit https://www.metiselectionsab.com

Learn More

District 17

Transition Meetings

Representatives from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government will be in District 17 to meet with and discuss the transition process to the new government. Your thoughts and input during this process are greatly appreciated.

September 14

Quality Hotel, Fort McMurray

8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

No registration required.

Learn More

Register With The Otipemisiwak Métis Government

Register your kids of all ages for Métis Citizenship! We have cultural opportunities such as family camps, youth hangouts, and more for Otipemisiwak Métis Citizens!

Bring your Citizenship application(s) and questions to our Registry Team. Input your Citizenship card number into your child's family tree and we will match your information to them.

Come to the provincial office from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, or join us for extended hours:

Keep an eye on our social pages for September dates coming soon!

We're also coming to these locations:

August 26 in Edmonton from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Jasper Place Public Library

August 27 in Okotoks from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Okotoks Recreation Centre

August 28 in Calgary from 1:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Hellenic Banquet Hall

Keep an eye on our social pages for September dates coming soon!

A Commissioner of Oaths will be on hand and photos can be taken on-site. Harvesting applications will be accepted as well.

Have questions? Need help? Head to albertametis.com/registry for all the answers!

What You Need to Register