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MGRSIA Anniversary Anniversary
On this day one year ago, Canada and the Métis Nation within Alberta signed the Métis Nation within Alberta Government Recognition and Self-Government Implementation Agreement, officially recognizing us as the Indigenous government representing our citizens and communities within Alberta. It recognizes our inherent right to govern our citizenship, elections, and child and family services.
This agreement is also Canada’s commitment to negotiate with us on a modern-day treaty. We are well on this journey, but we are not finished yet. Bill C-53 now sits at the third reading stage in the House of Commons.
Once given Royal Assent by the Senate, Bill C-53 will allow us to implement Bill C-92 ,which was upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada earlier this month. Bill C-92 affirms our authority to make our own laws to protect our children, youth, and families.
But we can’t do that without our self-government legislation, Bill C-53.
Let’s keep up the momentum and contact your Member of Parliament and Senator to show your support for Métis self-government.
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MNC Health Forum
We're thrilled to share the success of our recent participation in the National Métis Health Policy Forum in Ottawa!
President Sandmaier, alongside Secretary of Mental Health and Addictions, Kaila Mitchell, Secretary of Youth and Sport, Rebecca Lavallee, and representatives from our Health Department, came together with Métis leaders from across Canada to prioritize the health and well-being of our Citizens.
Through fruitful discussions and collaboration, we explored strategies to enhance access to culturally appropriate and safe healthcare for Métis Citizens nationwide.
It was an inspiring and productive event, and we invite Canada to the table to help us obtain sustainable funding to continue delivering health initiatives to our community.
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Obituary
We are saddened to share the news of Métis Local 1935 former President Peter Hansen’s passing. His wisdom and joy for life will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.
A truly devoted and humble man who was deeply proud of his Métis heritage, Peter served as McMurray Métis Local 1935 Council President since he was elected in June 2022, after sitting on council for eight years. He also served on the Board of Directors for Infinity Métis Corporation.
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Peter was born in Fort Chipewyan and was proud to be from there. His family moved when he was four years old to Waterways in Fort McMurray, where he continued to reside into retirement. Peter helped pave the path of McMurray Métis, including the development of the future Métis Cultural Centre. He was passionate about inspiring others to connect to their culture and always ensured fun activities for youth and children. Peter had great respect for the Elders as they guided him through their wisdom, knowledge and sharing of traditions. He was a true steward of the land, passionate about our rivers and Mother Earth. Peter owned and operated a trapline in the Birch Mountains and volunteered in many capacities, including at the Yukon Quest, a 1,000-mile dog team race from Whitehorse to Fairbanks, Alaska.
Peter loved his family and is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Judy, their daughter Emily (Ivan), son Jonathan (Vikki), grandchildren Winter, Ever, and Brigg, his brothers and sister, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his daughter, Jodi Rae Hansen, mother Violet Hansen, father Lloyd Hansen, and grandmother Jenny Flett.
Peter Hansen’s Funeral / Celebration of Life, will be held Sunday, February 25 at 2 p.m. at the McMurray Gospel Assembly (MGA).
Fellowship and refreshments to follow, and the burial at 4:30 p.m. at the Abasands Cemetery.
There will be a viewing on Saturday, February 24 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the MGA Church.
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In January our Truth and Reconciliation Coordinator travelled to Iqaluit to attend the National Gathering of the Unmarked Burials Conference. Here she heard stories of survival and resiliency while advocating for our community of residential school Survivors and their families. | |
Elsie and Storm Cardinal were among those invited to share their stories. Elsie Cardinal is a member of our Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee, and spoke of her experience attending Holy Angles Residential School in Fort Chipewyan for eight years. Storm Cardinal is an Intergenerational Survivor, from Fort Chipewyan. He presented an honest and heartfelt testimony that provided insight to how he has been impacted by the residential school system. | |
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In June 2022, Kimberly Murray was appointed as the Independent Special Interlocutor for a two-year term by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. The Independent Special Interlocutor is to function in a non-partisan and transparent manner, and to take part in conversations with Survivors, Indigenous families, and communities who are leading the critical work of recovering the missing children and unmarked burials. The Special Interlocutor will identify needed measures and make recommendations for a new federal legal framework to ensure the respectful and culturally appropriate treatment of unmarked graves and burial sites of children at former Indian Residential Schools and associated institutions. | | |
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Add The True Canadians Podcast To Your Playlist
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.
Add thetruecanadians.com/podcast to your playlist.
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"Setting up youth for success" | |
"Lucy and the Legal Lacuna" | | |
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Community Information Session
Community Information Sessions are a time to gather and exchange information on important topics. Guest presenters from MP Psychology lead these monthly discussions to increase awareness and knowledge among our Citizens. These sessions are a space where Métis people can safely learn from one another, connect to community, and enhance collective well-being.
These events are held virtually over Zoom*. The Zoom invite will be emailed the day of the event to everyone who has registered.
*Sessions are recorded
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For more information or to suggest a topic for a future Community Information Session, please email fasd@metis.org. | | |
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Join Us For Métis Mingle
Enjoy free workshops for children, teens, and adults, along with delicious snacks and lunch!
March 23
Hotel Dene and Conference Centre
Workshops Include:
- Lego Masters and Creative Kids workshops for children (aged 6 – 12)
- Mindfulness workshop and Beading lessons for adults and teens (aged 13 – 17)
- Yoga lessons for everyone!
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The Otipemisiwak Métis Government – Children and Family Services Department and MP Psychology aims to bring together Métis families and Knowledge-Holders to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories, while engaging in a variety of awesome workshops to enhance your energy and well-being!
We invite you to register for some mingling and fun! Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Limited space available.
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Join One Of Our Energy And Climate Community Engagements
Do you work in the energy sector or have thoughts about the transition away from fossil fuels?
We’ve partnered with Iron and Earth to host small group discussions in communities across Alberta affected by the changing economy and the transition away from non-renewable energy sources. Traditional decision-making often overlooks the needs and interests of fossil fuel workers, Indigenous peoples, and our communities.
These sessions aim to cut through the noise by engaging in discussions specific to the Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
All Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government are welcome for conversation about where our energy comes from, the changing climate, and how we advocate for Métis needs.
Light food and refreshments will be served.
Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government will be offered:
- $100 honorarium for your time and contributions.
- Reimbursement for travel expenses or arranged transportation (available upon request).
- Reimbursement for child or dependant care as needed.
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Specific times and locations will be provided closer to the date.
If you have any questions, please contact climate@metis.org or visit albertametis.com for more info.
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Would You Like To Learn How To Ice Fish?
In 2023, our Environment and Climate Change (ECC) team received over 400 Fish Health Community Monitor forms from our Métis Askîy Guardians! To celebrate, we are hosting a learn-to-ice-fish event at Lac La Biche on Saturday, March 16.
Whether you are an experienced harvester or have never explored a frozen lake before, you and your family are invited to connect with both land and culture at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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Our knowledgeable Métis harvesters will demonstrate you how to use a rod and reel on the ice. Warm up indoors with hot chocolate and games and learn how to get involved in our Fish Health Community Monitoring Program!
Experience a Métis way of life that has been passed down for generations.
Have questions? Email Environment@metis.org
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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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Help Us Protect Alberta’s Fish And Their Habitat
We want to know about your fishing activities, what you’re catching, how the fish taste and more.
Fill out any (or all!) of our fishing forms between January 1 – March 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 each!
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Sustainability Tip Of The Week
Should You Make The Jump To A Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are a greener alternative to using both a furnace and an air conditioner. A heat pump can offer both heating and cooling by transferring hot and cool air as needed. They are more energy efficient than fossil-fuel-reliant furnaces and air conditioners because they run solely on electricity.
Check out the Canadian Climate Institutes Heat Pump Calculator.
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Pathway To Healthy Living | | |
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Connections In Recovery Program
Recovery journeys can be lonely paths to navigate. We have a community to help you along the way.
Connections in Recovery is designed as a safe space for individuals, friends, and family whose lives are affected by addiction. Join us every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to connect and build friendships in support and solidarity with each other’s recovery process.
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In-person gatherings will begin on March 12. Come down to the Youth Building, or join us online. No registration is required. Sharing circles featuring a special guest will occur on the first and third Tuesday of every month.
We are here, and we are listening. For more information about this program or if you need additional support, please contact Lisa at LVaughn@metis.org.
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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 to help you reach your nicotine-related goals.
This special daytime edition of the in-demand program is available to Métis Nation within Alberta Citizens aged 18+ seeking to reduce and/or quit their nicotine use.
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Lunch-hour sessions run on Zoom from March 13 to May 15. Register by March 11.
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.
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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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Our Office Will Be Closed From March 4 to 8 For Staff Development | | | | |
