***APPLY TODAY***

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Children and Family Services Department is excited to announce applications open TODAY at 9 a.m. for our Connecting Through Culture Family Retreat at Métis Crossing taking place on February 2 – 4, and February 9 – 11.

Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government with children aged 17 and under, who are residents of Alberta, and have not attended a similar camp or retreat in the past 18 months are eligible to apply.

While we do our best to accommodate as many eligible families as possible, this is a highly sought-after program, and an application does not guarantee a spot. Families who meet the eligibility criteria will be selected on a first-come, first serve basis until maximum capacity is reached. 

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.

Navigating FASD Webinar

Ever wonder why things seem to be too loud, too itchy, too much for your loved one with FASD? Register today for this Navigating FASD Webinar to learn about sensory processing challenges and strategies that will improve daily life for you and your loved one with FASD.

Join us January 23, from 6 – 7 p.m., for the Navigating FASD Webinar: FASD Sensory Processing Challenges and Strategies Information Session.

Webinars will address topics of interest, common challenges, and practical strategies to assist parents, family members, teachers, and support workers to improve outcomes for people with FASD. Individuals with FASD may also benefit from these webinars to learn about their disability and gain valuable strategies to improve their quality of life.

Métis Mingle

The 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!

Enjoy free workshops for kids, teens, and adults, along with delicious snacks and lunch!

January 20

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Edmonton Inn

Workshops Include: 

• Lego Masters and Creative Kids Workshops for children, (ages 6 – 12)
• Mindfulness” workshop for adults and teens (ages 13 – 17)
• Beading lessons for teens and adults
• Yoga lessons for everyone!

We invite you to register for some mingling and come have some fun! Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited space available.

Get Ready To Freeze The Moment!

Hey Métis families! Create memories together with the January Koona Napew Snowman Photo Challenge!

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.

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.

Central Youth Group!

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

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 and all districts in Alberta (including youth 11 years of age who will be turning 12 this year) and up to two family members!

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

Discover The Art Of Storytelling Through Film!

Engage in hands-on learning with our 6-week FILM PRODUCTION PROGRAM designed specifically for Métis citizens aged 12 – 29 from any and all Districts!

Program starts February 8.

6 – 9 p.m.

Youth Centre

11821 123 Street NW Edmonton

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

Registration is OPEN NOW! Limited space is available so please register early!

SAVE THE DATE!

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the Department of Youth Programs and Services is excited to announce the 8th Annual Youth and Seniors Gathering taking place from February 23 – 25, at the River Cree Resort & Casino in Enoch, Alberta.

This gathering is an opportunity for Métis Nation of Alberta seniors and youth to gather, share knowledge and stories, participate in cultural workshops, hear from influential and inspiring speakers, performers, and develop a sense of belonging to the Métis community.

This event is reserved for youth ages 12 – 29 and seniors aged 60+. Citizens are invited to attend this event from across the province of Alberta.

Registration opens January 17. Deadline to register will be January 31.

We look forward to a wonderful weekend of strengthening community connections and intergenerational knowledge sharing.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact our youth team at youth@metis.org for further information.

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.

Submit before January 16 to be entered to win a $200 grocery card.

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 NRT Program and receive a $500 Blue Cross Benefits Card for Nicotine Replacement Therapies.

Participants must attend meetings one and two 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

Services offered include:

• Dental exams (including x-rays)
• Oral cleanings
• Cavity fillings
• Simple extractions (non-wisdom teeth only)

The services will be available to Métis Citizens of all ages.

Citizens can also bring their families to participate in daily cultural activities and celebrations nearby. 

Note: Appointment spaces are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Priority will be given to individuals who are experiencing distressing symptoms and dental emergencies. For more information about this program, contact Bryden at dental@metis.org.

Peer-Led Addictions Support Group Drop-In

Living with addiction can feel isolating and lonely. Find connection and community at our Peer-Led Addictions Support Group Tuesday nights, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

No need to register! Drop in via Zoom.

For more information, contact Lisa at LVaughn@metis.org.

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 Lesser Slave Lake on Saturday, February 10.

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 Widewater Community Complex between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Our knowledgeable Métis harvesters will teach you how to use a rod and reel and demonstrate how to set a gill net underneath the ice. Between activities, warm up indoors in the Community Complex with hot chocolate and games and learn how to get involved in our Fish Health Community Monitoring program!

Join us and experience a Métis way of life that has been passed down for generations.

Have questions? Email Environment@metis.org

Take Our Survey!

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

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

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.

Cost: $125

Families of all ages are welcome!

Advance bookings required. Book online today.

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

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.

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!

Get the application form at albertametis.com/registry