As 2025 comes to a close, I want to thank our Citizens for the trust, patience, and strength you continue to show as we build our government together.

This year marked another important chapter for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. We continued the steady work of putting our Constitution into action and strengthening the foundations of a modern Métis government. This work is not always easy, but it is necessary and it is being done with care, transparency, and accountability.

Across Alberta, District Councils continued their transition to self-government, bringing leadership closer to Citizens. We made progress in areas that directly affect daily life, including housing, health and wellness, children and families, culture, education, emergency management, and economic development.

This year also reminded us how important it is to gather and stay connected as a people.

As we look ahead to 2026, our focus is clear. We will continue advancing self-government, protecting Métis rights, and preparing the next generation to inherit a strong, confident Métis Nation.

On behalf of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, I wish you and your families a safe and joyful New Year.

Get Ready To Vote

The Late Fall District Elections (Winter 2026 Voting Period) will take place from February 16–22, 2026.

After delays caused by Canada Post labour disruptions, electronic, mail-in, and in-person voting options will be available for all eligible Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens 16 years of age or older on the date voting closes.

Electronic Voting (February 16–February 22, 2026)

• Request your PIN from February 13 and allow 24–48 hours for confirmation.
• Voting will be open from February 16–22 at metiselectionsab.com
• Important: registration and voting are separate steps; electronic voting opens February 16.

Mail-In Voting (January 20–February 22, 2026)

• Ballots and instructions will be mailed out on January 19, 2026.
• Mail-in ballots will be accepted until February 22, 2026.
• Citizens receive an extended window to return ballots due to potential mail delays.

In-Person Voting (February 22, 2026)

• Vote in the District where you have lived for the last 90 days.
• Polls will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit metiselectionsab.com.

National Urban Park Program

The Consultation Department’s National Urban Park (NUP) Program, in partnership with Parks Canada, invites Citizens to participate in a cultural asset study to help guide Métis cultural expression in urban park settings.

Cultural Assets are physical items or non-physical elements that shape community identity, heritage, and values.

Please share your input on which Métis cultural assets you think should be highlighted on educational signage or integrated into Métis-focused tourism in an Edmonton-area urban park.

February–March QuitCore

Make a change in your nicotine use. Join our free, eight-week, virtual QuitCore program to start your journey!

Join us from February 5, 2026, to March 26, 2026, Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m. Sessions will be held virtually on Zoom.

To register, email tobaccoreduction@metis.org by February 4, 2026.

Upon completing the program, Citizens will:

• Receive a “QuitKit,” which contains supportive tools and resources 
• Become eligible for a $500 Alberta Blue Cross benefit card for nicotine replacement therapies

This program is run in partnership with Alberta Health Services. 

Don't miss out, register today!

Navigating Life’s Stresses Can Be Difficult. It’s Okay To Need Help

We have partnered with Alberta Blue Cross and Homewood Health to create the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Wellness Program. Through this program, Métis Citizens of all ages are able to access FREE, short-term, goal-oriented counselling that is personalized, confidential, and professional.

Counsellors can help in the following areas:

• Supporting personal well-being
• Managing family and relationships
• Addressing workplace challenges
• Taking financial and legal control of life

Contact 1-877-729-0261 to speak with a counsellor today.

Substance Use Recovery Program

Shakiwayniwayhk, the Substance Use Recovery Program, offers eligible Citizens recovering from substance use disorder individualized support to foster independent and healthy living during the maintenance stage of recovery.

For more information email substanceuserecovery@metis.org.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

• Be an Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen 
• Be aged 18+
• Be a resident of Alberta
• Be in recovery from substance use disorder
• Have completed treatment at a Recovery Alberta-approved residential or inpatient program in the past 12 months

OR

• Be actively engaged and stabilized for six months through a Recovery Alberta-accredited outpatient treatment program and have this confirmed by your outpatient treatment team

Askîy Wildlife Community Monitor Program

Report your animal sightings and harvests at

albertametis.com/wildlife-report!

Until March, each completed form lets you enter for a chance to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card. First-time participants and Citizens who’ve submitted at least one wildlife monitoring form this season can also enter separate draws for a $100 Cabela’s gift card.

Questions? Please reach out to environment@metis.org.

Apply For The 2026 Askîy Winter Guardians Gathering!

On Saturday, January 24, join us at the 2026 Askîy Winter Guardians Gathering for a full day of ice fishing and being in community on Pigeon Lake!

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., fish with your friends and family, enjoy snacks and beverages on us, watch a gill netting demonstration, and learn how Askîy Guardians protect fish populations.

Dress warmly and bring your fishing gear, bait, micro-spikes, or ice cleats. You can also borrow fishing and ice traction gear from on-site staff while supplies last. We’ll handle the rest. 

Spots are limited, apply today!

ABHuntLog: Are You A Winner? 

Check your ABHuntLog personal dashboard to see if you won one of five $100 Cabela’s gift cards!

If you used the “Métis Harvester” participant type, each valid survey you submitted through ABHuntLog between September 1 and November 30, 2025, was entered for a chance to win. You’ll need an Otipemisiwak Métis Government citizenship number to claim “Métis Harvester” prizes.

Thank you to everyone who contributed!

Registration Is Now Open For The Tanisi Awâsisis Baby Bundle!

The Children and Family Services Department's Early Years team is excited to support Métis families across Alberta with essential items, cultural resources, and guidance to welcome new babies and foster Métis identity and belonging.

Eligibility:

• Families in Alberta expecting a newborn or with a child under 6 months of age
• At least one guardian is an Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen

Apply once per child while supplies last!

Registration Is Now Open For The Niwicitonan Playgroup! 

Our first in-person playgroup will be held in Calgary on Wednesday, January 28, 2026! 

Métis families with children aged 0–5 who live within 100 km are invited to join our morning playgroup sessions taking place in various locations across Alberta. This group is designed specifically for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers. Older siblings and family members are welcome to come along to support their little ones.

Keep an eye out for future in-person and online programs.

Eligible families:

• Children aged 0–5
• Either the child or caregiver is an Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen
• Currently reside in Alberta, within 100 km of event location

Sign up today and get your Métis child connected to culture and community from the very start!

Call for Nominations: Outstanding Youth And Senior Awards

Do you know a Métis youth or senior making a difference in your community? Nominate them for an outstanding Métis Youth and Senior Award!

The Outstanding Youth and Senior Award will be awarded to the successful nominees at the Youth and Seniors Gathering!

Deadline to nominate is Friday,

January 16, 2026.

Fill out the form to submit an application for an outstanding youth or senior within your community!

Please note: Nominees must be between the ages of 12–29 or 60+ and must be Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

If you have any questions, contact youth@metis.org.

Call For Artists

We are looking for Métis artists for the Artist Market at our 10th annual Youth and Seniors Gathering!

February 27 and 28, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton West Edmonton

Requirements:

• Must be Métis
• Must reside in Alberta

Please include your Métis citizenship card, a short bio, and pictures of your work!

Fill out our Artist Registration form by Friday, February 13, 2026.

Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative

Are You An Employer Looking For Métis Apprentices?

Rupertsland Institute is continuing to expand Métis participation in trades!

The brand new Employer Apprenticeship Incentive aims to increase the number of contracted Métis apprentices in the trades.

This program seeks to mitigate the costs associated with hiring, training, and retaining apprentices, while increasing Métis participation up to their Red Seal designation.

Call 1-888-48-MÉTIS (1-888-486-3847) or visit one of our nine offices across Alberta.

Apply for Shad Canada!

Grade 10 and 11 students can apply for Shad Canada to spend a month on a university campus. Students will take part in hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) courses and access entrepreneurship content with ongoing mentor support.

Shad is a transformative program that develops leadership and nurtures innovation while connecting you with peers from across Canada.

How to Apply:

1. Head to the Shad Canada website.
2. Follow the steps to create an account and log in.
3. Fill out the application. Be sure to click on "Rupertsland Institute" in the scholarship section.

Applications close January 5.

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:

January 17 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

January 22 from 8:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

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

January 28 in Red Deer from 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at Rupertsland Institute – Red Deer

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

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

Early Years Coordinator

Family Preservation and Reunification Primary Lead

Family Reunification Program Site Manager - Bonnyville

Family Reunification Program Site Manager - Edmonton

FASD Intake and Resource Coordinator

Integrated Services Manager

Métis Family Resource Program Implementation Coordinator

Métis Family Resource Worker

COMMUNICATION & CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT

Communications Project Lead

Creative Lead

Digital and Social Supervisor

FACILITIES & BUILDING OPERATIONS

Facilities and Building Operations Project Manager

Facilities Coordinator

Maintenance Supervisor

Properties Supervisor

Receptionist

HEALTH

Health Finance Coordinator – Recovery Initiatives

HUMAN RESOURCES

Talent Acquisition Coordinator



INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Intergovernmental Relations Grants Coordinator

Intergovernmental Relations Project Archivist

Intergovernmental Relations Project Coordinator

Intergovernmental Relations Project Manager

Métis Industry Relations Liaison

JUSTICE

Métis Justice Programs Manager

REGISTRY

Intake Clerk

Project Administrator – Registry
Registry Systems Coordinator

RUPERTSLAND INSTITUTE

Director – Education, Training and Research

Métis Training and Education (MTE) Advisor

Associate Director – Client and Student Services

Client Resources Assistant

Job Coach (Edmonton, AB and Calgary, AB/ Red Deer)

Métis Training and Education (MTE) Advisor - Calgary

Métis Training and Education (MTE) Advisor - Grande Prairie

Métis Training and Education (MTE) Advisor - Peace River

Métis Training and Education (MTE) Advisor - Bonnyville

Systems Analyst

SELF GOVERNMENT

Clerk of the Citizens’ Council