FASD Caregiver Connect Nights

Our FASD Caregiver Connect Nights are a safe space for parents and caregivers raising children / youth / adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder to gather for support and to discuss hard things. We want you to know you are not alone!

FASD Caregiver Connect Nights are held on the second Wednesday of every month 6 – 7 p.m. on Zoom. 

Each month we will briefly discuss one key issue pertaining to FASD then open up the discussion to parents/caregivers to talk about their struggles and their successes. You will receive the Zoom invite after you have registered for the FASD Caregiver Connect Nights.

For more information or to suggest a topic for a future FASD Caregiver Connect Night, please email fasd@metis.org.

***SAVE THE DATE***

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Children and Family Services Department (CFS) is excited to announce the Winter 2024 dates for the Connecting Through Culture Family Retreat at Métis Crossing.

February 2 – 4 OR February 9 – 11, 2024.

Applications open January 13, 2024, at 9 a.m. Apply Here!

Eligible families will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis, and must:

• Be residents of Alberta
• Be Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government/MNA

Attend with at least one child aged 17 or younger.

Families who have attended a family camp or retreat through a similar CFS program within the past 18 months are ineligible.

For more information on this meaningful opportunity, contact the Early Years team at CFSEarlyYears@metis.org

Understanding Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can impact our lives in many different ways. It can affect our relationships, our workplace, and even our own day-to-day activities.

So what is ADHD and what symptoms are associated with it? What are some strategies to cope with ADHD and what resources are available?

On January 16 from 6 – 7 p.m., we will discuss these questions and help to shed some light on Understanding Adult ADHD.

Hey Métis families! Get ready to freeze the moment with the January Koona Napew Snowman Photo Challenge! Create memories together as you build snowmen with your little ones and have the opportunity to win a Winter Métis prize pack!

How to Participate:

• Build a snowman masterpiece with your family
• Capture your frozen friend in a photo

Share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #KoonaNapewChallenge

Submit your photo by January 31, 2024

To participate in this Koona Napew Photo Challenge, your Métis family must:

• Be currently residing in Alberta
• Have children between the ages of 0 and 11

Either the caregiver OR the child must be a registered citizen of Otipemisiwak Métis Government

Eligibility will be verified before announcing the winning photo. The winners will be selected by random draw.

FASD – why does it matter?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common disability that impacts approximately 1 in 25 Albertans of all ages. FASD is a medical condition that impacts people from all walks of life. In fact, you may know people with FASD at work, in your community, or in your family.

It is our hope that by openly talking about FASD, we can reduce the stigma associated with this disability, build skills, promote wellness, and prevent FASD.

We would like to hear from you about FASD, even if you do not know someone with it. Sharing your experience and perspective will help us shape FASD supports, services, and resources for Métis Albertans.

Your privacy will be protected and all answers will be anonymous.

If you require assistance to complete this survey please call 780-455-2200 or email fasd@metis.org. We will be happy to assist.

New Nicotine Replacement Therapy Sessions!

Are you looking to make a change in your nicotine use but aren’t sure where to go for support? We might be able to help you.

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is hosting a virtual info session on our Nicotine Replacement Therapy Program (NRT). This two-hour session will walk you through the steps required to enroll in the NRT program.

Our Community Prevention Practitioner, Kyla, will be available to answer your nicotine-related questions and will help you start your journey of change on the right foot.

Attendees who complete the session will be eligible to enroll in the MNA NRT Program and receive a $500 Blue Cross Benefits Card for Nicotine Replacement Therapies.

Participants must attend meetings 1 and 2 to qualify for an Alberta Blue Cross $500 Benefits Card to be used on any Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Cessation Medications.

For more information, contact Kyla at KHachey@metis.org

Join Our Engagement Sessions

If you are a Métis Albertan between the ages of 25 and 74, and have experience with breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer screening, we want to hear from you!

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government will be hosting a Cancer Screening Gathering in Edmonton (January 27) and Calgary (February 3). If you feel more comfortable sharing your experience in a telephone interview, there are multiple dates available in February.

Share your experience and contribute to the Alberta Métis Cancer Strategy to help advocate for improved cancer care for Métis Albertans.

Participants who attend an in-person gathering in Calgary or Edmonton will receive a $100 honorarium, and those who travel more than 50km will receive mileage compensation and one-night accommodation. Métis Albertans who register to participate in a telephone interview will receive a $50 honorarium for their time.

For more information, contact Amanda Andrew at 587-414-2942, or by email at aandrew@metis.org.

Share your voice and drive momentum towards healthy Métis communities!

The Health Department of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government is committed to promoting the health and well-being of our Citizens. We want to know your interests and preferences on health education topics. Your feedback helps inform the programs we develop to address issues that resonate with our community.

Participants who submit before January 16 will be entered to win a $200 grocery card.

(This survey is voluntary, anonymous, and you can choose to end it at any time.)

Askîy Youth Monitor Contest

Spend a week ice fishing and learning firsthand from Métis harvesters!

The Askîy Youth Monitor Contest will give four Métis youth aged 18 – 29 a chance to learn sustainable harvesting practices and scientific methods to monitor fish health at Alberta lakes, Feb. 19 – 24, 2024. Accommodations and meal expenses will be covered.

To enter, submit a maximum 500-word essay on, “What would being part of the Askîy Youth Guardians team and participating in Fish Health Monitoring mean to you?”

Entries must be emailed to environment@metis.org by 11:59 p.m. MDT on January 7, 2024.

Take Our Survey!

Do you have a knack for gardening? Or have learned from a green-thumbed loved one? Take our gardening survey, we’d like to hear from you!

Learning how to garden can be overwhelming, so to help new gardeners get started, our Environment and Climate Change team is producing a beginner’s gardening guide.

Discover the Central Youth Group!

We are excited to invite you to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (OMG) Youth Department's Central Youth's Family Info Night on Thursday, January 18th, 2024.

We’d like to invite Métis families to visit our youth building, meet our youth coordinators, and learn about the programs and activities that the youth are doing. Embrace the fun of youth group with your own family.

Join us for Métis crafts and snacks as we delve into discussions about the Central Youth Group and discuss our plans for the new year! This event will be hosted at the Youth Centre, 11821 123 Street NW, Edmonton AB.

Registration is open for Métis citizens aged 12 – 29 from any & all districts in Alberta (including youth 11 years of age who will be turning 12 this year) and up to 2 family members!

Questions? Contact Hailey-Emma at 780-993-2198 or email hmcrae@metis.org

Congratulations Dr. Shawna Cunningham!

Congratulations to Calgary Elbow Métis District 6 Citizen Shawna Cunningham for receiving the 2023 Distinguished Dissertation Award in humanities and fine arts from the Council of Graduate Schools and ProQuest™, part of Clarivate™ for her dissertation, Stories from Inside the Circle: Embodied Indigeneity and Resurgent Practice in Post-secondary Institutions.

Since 1982, the awards recognize recent doctoral recipients who have made significant and original contributions to their fields.

Since 1982, the awards recognize recent doctoral recipients who have made significant and original contributions to their fields.

“Dr. Cunningham is a remarkable scholar and leader whose exceptional work embodies the spirit of transformational change we cultivate at the University of Calgary and our commitment to reconciliation through education,” said Robin Yates, Deputy Provost, University of Calgary.

Leather Workshop

Join us for a small group workshop where you will learn how to stamp and decorate leather projects. Workshop participants will get to choose to create a book mark, key chain, or wrist band.

This workshop is perfect for everyone with a skill level appropriate for beginners. All supplies and tools will be provided.

This workshop will be instructed by Métis Knowledge Holder Lilyrose Meyers.

Bring the kids! We will have traditional Métis inspired crafts available for children to participate in while you are in the workshop.

January 27

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: $75

Advance bookings required. Book online today or call 780-656-2229.

Braided Beaded Rug Workshop

Join us for a Métis braided rug workshop. The workshop includes instruction on the history and cultural significance of the rug, as well as the techniques for braiding. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own Métis braided rug under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

These workshops can be a great way for people to connect with Métis culture and learn traditional skills.

January 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

January 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Families of all ages are welcome!

Cost: $125

Advance bookings required. Book online today.

For more information, please contact Métis Crossing at 780-656-2229 or metiscrossing@metis.org

Calling all future Indigenous Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs)!

The CPA Western School of Business and the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Alberta have collaborated with Indigenous subject matter experts to tailor two courses to Indigenous learners: Introductory Financial Accounting, and Introductory Management Accounting (NEW) of the CPA Professional Education Program.

Delivered by Indigenous instructors, the courses will centre the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous learners.

Registration closes January 5, 2024.

Start today!

Contact gettingstarted@cpaalberta.ca to get more information or to set up an appointment to talk to an advisor.

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

Get the application form at albertametis.com/registry