Indigenous And Northern Affairs Committee (INAN) Adopts Bill C-53
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government applauds the adoption of Bill C-53, the Recognition of Certain Métis Governments in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan and Métis Self-Government Act, by the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) on February 5.
“While we have much more work to do to ensure Bill C-53 becomes federal law, we are pleased to have completed the important stage of the INAN Committee reviewing our historic self-government implementation legislation,” said Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
Read more about the outcome and next steps
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National Métis Health Policy Forum
The health and wellbeing of our Citizens is a top priority for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
That is why President Sandmaier, Mental Health and Addiction Secretary Kaila Mitchell, Youth and Sport Secretary Rebecca Lavallee and representatives from our Health Department travelled to Ottawa this past week to participate in the National Métis Health Policy Forum.
Together, along with other Métis leaders from across Canada, they discussed ways to enhance access to culturally appropriate and safe healthcare for Métis Citizens nationwide.
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Bill C-92 Upheld By Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Canada released its decision yesterday on the Government of Québec’s challenge to Bill C-92: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. The Supreme Court upheld the legislation.
“We are extremely pleased that the Supreme Court of Canada was unanimous in upholding this forward looking, innovative and reconciliation-based piece of legislation,” says Otipemisiwak Métis Government President, Andrea Sandmaier. While child and family services usually fall under provincial jurisdiction, Bill C-92 affirms that our inherent right to self-government includes the power to make our own laws to protect our children, youth, and families.”
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The True Canadians Podcast
Get ready for a new podcast, based on the book, The True Canadians. While authors Patricia Russell and David Wylynko were touring the country to promote the book, they discovered that readers wanted to know more about the people, places, events, and milestones they had written about. A podcast seemed to be the best way to share what they learned. They invited some of the personalities, and some new voices, to tell more of their stories.
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Listen to a trailer introducing the podcast, and its host, at:
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Say Kisâkihitin to your favourite person by sharing a special valentine. Download your printable copy. | | |
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Join Our FASD Caregiver Connect Night!
Join us the second Wednesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. on Zoom to discuss one key issue pertaining to FASD. We then open up the discussion to parents/caregivers to talk about their struggles and their successes.
Spread the word, invite fellow caregivers, and let’s strengthen our bonds as we navigate this journey together.
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For more information or to suggest a topic for a future FASD Caregiver Connect Night, please email fasd@metis.org. | | |
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Discover The Power of Love Languages
Do you want to improve your connection with your kids, friends, or partner? You can build stronger relationships by discovering the power of love languages.
Join us Tuesday, February 20 on Zoom, from 6 – 7 p.m.
Email fasd@metis.org for more info.
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The Koona Napew Winter Photo Challenge results are in!
Behold the snowy wonders created by our Métis families! Now, drumroll, please! Congratulations to our #KoonaNapewChallenge winners by random draw!
If you spot your snowy creation in the first “Draw Winners” picture, congrats! For more information and to claim your frosty fame, winners, please contact our Early Years team at CFSEarlyYears@metis.org.
Swipe left to see all of the frosty entries that melted our hearts.
From adorable baby snowmen to majestic Métis snowmen, every entry added a touch of magic to the Koona Napew Winter Photo Challenge. Thank you to all of our wonderful Métis families who shared their snowy joy!
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Native Bee Conservation Kit Giveaway
Many of our native bee species in Alberta are considered “cavity (or tunnel) nesting bees” – these bees love utilizing tunnels to lay their eggs. You will find them utilizing habitats such as pithy and hollow plant stems in nature. Bee nesting boxes are built to try to simulate this nesting habitat.
Sadly, some of our native bees are declining, but you can help!
Register today to win a Native Bee Conservation Kit, which provides you with your own pre-assembled bee nesting box to install, and native wildflowers to plant. Participants of this program will get a unique hands-on opportunity to learn more about our native bees and contribute to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s bee monitoring and conservation efforts.
*Must be a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government to register. One kit per household. If you received a kit through this program in a prior year, you will not be eligible to receive another.
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Calling All Harvesters!
Complete the Migratory Bird Harvesting Survey.
This survey takes 15 – 20 minutes, and Citizens will be entered to win 1 of 15 prizes including:
- 1 x $500 Visa gift card
- 4 x $250 Visa gift cards
- 10 x $100 Visa gift cards
The Environment and Climate Change department wants to know about your migratory bird harvesting activities, effort, and success in 2023!
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Personal data will only be collected for Citizen verification and potential prize distribution. All harvesting information shared will remain anonymous. Anonymous data may be shared with other Otipemisiwak Métis Government departments for the protection of Section 35 rights and with Canadian Wildlife Service to inform the management of migratory birds.
Questions? Please contact Jac Curry, Environment Coordinator at environment@metis.org.
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Sustainability Tip Of The Week
DIY Alert!
Help provide nourishment to overwintering birds.
During the colder seasons, birds have difficulty finding natural food sources. You can help eliminate this problem for the birds in your neighbourhood by making your own bird suet. A bird suet is a molded firm cake made from rendered fat and other nutrients that birds enjoy.
How to create a bird suet:
Add grains, seeds, or dried fruit to rendered fat, such as ground beef, to create a high-calorie recipe for your neighbouring birds. You can use twine, a muffin tin, or an old carton to create the mold!
Click here for more info: Homemade Wild Bird Suet - Who Needs A Cape?
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YSG Artisan Market
Join us for Youth & Seniors Gathering’s Artisan Market! Discover one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the beauty of Métis craftsmanship from our local vendors.
February 23
5 – 11 p.m.
River Cree Ballroom
River Cree Resort & Casino
Enoch, Alberta
The artisan market is open for everyone to attend!
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Pathway To Healthy Living | | |
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Ready To Make A Change In Your Nicotine Use?
Join our FREE Virtual QuitCore program and start your journey!
In partnership with Alberta Health Services, we offer group intervention support so you can reach your nicotine-related goals.
This six-week program is available to Métis Nation within Alberta Citizens aged 18 and older seeking to reduce and/or quit their nicotine use.
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Sessions run on Zoom from February 20 to March 26. Register by February 16.
Upon completion, participants will receive a “QuitKit” and become eligible for a $500 Alberta Blue Cross Benefit Card for Nicotine Replacement Therapies. Participants will also have access to one-on-one support from our Community Prevention Practitioner and have a chance to win a prize every session.
To register, email your Métis Citizenship ID number to KHachey@metis.org.
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Let Us Help You On Your Journey
Need to travel more than 100 km to attend your medical appointment? Let us help you on your journey!
Our newly expanded Medical Travel Program can provide both mileage reimbursement and accommodations for Métis Citizens across the province. If you are an Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen travelling over 100 km to your next medical appointment, you may be eligible to apply.
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Weekly Yoga Sessions
Centre yourself with breathwork, relaxation, and movement at our Weekly Yoga and Meditation classes, led by Nicole Oort. Wednesday sessions take place 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. and are available both in-person and online.
For more information, contact Lisa at LVaughn@metis.org
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Register With The
Otipemisiwak Métis Government
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Become a Judicial Tribunal Member
If you are looking for a unique, and impactful way to serve your nation? Apply to join the Judicial Tribunal.
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