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Taansi.
Over the past month, our Nation has experienced loss. We have said goodbye to Elders who carried knowledge and history, and to a respected leader who served our people. Each loss is felt not only by families and friends, but across our communities.
Grief does not follow a straight path. It can show up in many ways, and you do not have to carry it alone. Supports are available, including mental health, crisis, and community-based services, for moments of immediate need or simply when you need someone to talk to. Reaching out is an act of care.
In times like these, coming together matters. Our Elders taught us that strength comes from community and that teaching remains true.
Please take care of yourselves and one another.
Maarsi,
Andrea Sandmaier
President Otipemisiwak Métis Government
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Calgary Nosehill District Captains Candidate Forum!
Citizens are invited to join us on Wednesday, February 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Croatian Canadian Cultural Centre for the Calgary Nosehill District Captains Candidate Forum!
This event provides an opportunity to ask questions to the District Captain candidates for the Calgary Nosehill Métis District. This will allow you to make an informed decision when it’s time to vote in the Late Fall Election.
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Voting takes place as follows:
- In-Person Voting will take place on February 22
- Electronic Voting will be open from February 16 – 22. Citizens can register for online voting beginning February 13
- Mail-In ballots have been sent out to all Citizens eligible to vote and need to be submitted back to Office of the Chief Electoral Officer by February 22 at 8 p.m.
It is recommended that Citizens send ballots back as soon as they can. For those who are unable to join us in person, a livestream of the forum will be available. We look forward to meeting everyone and strengthening our community!
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Provincial Women’s Representative Candidate Forum
Citizens are invited to join us on Thursday, February 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Croatian Canadian Cultural Centre for the Provincial Women’s Representative Candidate Forum!
This event provides an opportunity to ask questions to the Women’s Representative candidates. This will allow you to make an informed decision when it’s time to vote in the Late Fall Election.
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Voting takes place as follows:
- In-Person Voting will take place on February 22
- Electronic Voting will be open from February 16 – 22. Citizens can register for online voting beginning February 13
- Mail-In ballots have been sent out to all Citizens eligible to vote and need to be submitted back to Office of the Chief Electoral Officer by February 22 at 8 p.m.
It is recommended that Citizens send ballots back as soon as they can. For those who are unable to join us in person, a livestream of the forum will be available. We look forward to meeting everyone and strengthening our community!
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Citizen Spotlight: Lyric Jesso
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government congratulates Lyric Jesso on his appointment to the Métis National Council’s Youth Council.
Lyric was born and raised in Lac La Biche, Alberta. He is a dedicated front-line worker in firefighting, forestry, and emergency services whose experience on the front lines has shaped his powerful voice in conversations about the environment, climate change, and emergency management.
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The Countdown Is On!
Hockey registration for the Métis Cup Festival opens February 2.
Get ready for a weekend (July 31 – August 2) of community, competition, and good vibes on and off the ice.
Keep an eye out for registration details and a checklist of what information you’ll need to provide. You won’t want to miss this!
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Event Photo Collection
Looking for photos from our recent events? Create a free Flickr account to access, browse, and add to our photo galleries.
View the public galleries and relive the memorable moments!
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Contact Information Portal
Confirm your contact information with our Contact Information Portal to ensure you are eligible to vote in District Elections!
Please note: You must be a resident of your Métis District for 90 days to be eligible to vote in District Elections. The District that you are eligible to vote in is based on your physical address, not your mailing address.
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Peace River Nuclear Power Project: Proponent Online Info Session
Join the Consultation Department for an online meeting to learn more about the Peace River Nuclear Power Project. This online session will include a presentation and a Q&A with the industry proponent, Energy Alberta.
Open to all Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens, this is a chance to learn more about the project directly from the industry proponent.
Bring your questions and concerns, and ensure your voice is heard.
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Thursday, January 29
6 p.m.
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Become A Water Guardian!
Apply to our Water Guardians Program for a chance to receive water monitoring training, and tuition for first aid training, and a boat license. Participants who complete their training and collect monthly samples between June 2026 and September 2026 will receive an honorarium.
This program is presented in partnership with the Alberta Lake Management Society.
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Conservation Land Access Dashboard
Eager to make the most of this winter season? Check out our Conservation Land Access Dashboard (CLAD) to break your cabin fever!
This online tool assists users in identifying conservation sites that permit activities such as camping, hunting, snowmobiling, and more.
Discover over 1,000 conservation sites across the Districts at albertametis.com/CLAD and plan your next adventure today!
| | Note: CLAD provides summaries for each site and is not the primary source of information. Please confirm acceptable activities with the managing organizations for the sites you wish to visit before your trip. | |
Sustainability Tip: Save money With The Home Upgrades Program! (Calgary and Canmore)
Calling all Calgary and Canmore residents! Want to lower your electricity, gas, and water bills?
The Home Upgrades Program offers free, personalized home upgrades for income-qualified households, including high-efficiency furnaces, hot water tanks, insulation, toilets, draft-proofing, and more.
Income-qualified households in Calgary can also apply for free, DIY RetroKits to receive easy-to-use items that improve energy efficiency, and all Calgary residents can attend free multilingual workshops to learn how to reduce gas, electricity, and water use at home.
Find helpful resources, learn more about eligibility requirements, and apply for the program by visiting homeupgradesprogram.ca/
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | | |
Métis Citizens, Share Your Voice!
Covenant Health invites Métis Citizens to a virtual health engagement session.
Wednesday, January 28
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
This session is a chance to share experiences, ideas and perspectives about health and healthcare.
If you can’t attend live, you can still participate by providing your feedback through this online form: albertametis.com/online-engagement-form
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Join Us At The Athabasca Landing Métis District 20 Free Dental Clinic
Get free dental care from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the University of Alberta School of Dentistry.
Limited appointments are available, priority is given to urgent cases.
February 9 – 13
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Athabasca District Agricultural Society Highway 813 & RR224
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Michif Perinatal Virtual Sharing Circles
We invite you to join our Michif Perinatal Virtual Sharing Circles this February. These sessions offer a warm, supportive, and judgment-free space to help you feel more prepared, confident, and connected throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey.
Guided by the caring team at the Weaving Wellness Centre, each circle focuses on strengthening wellness, building confidence, and offering practical support. Whether you are expecting your first child or adding to your growing family, everyone is welcome.
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February 19 – March 26
Thursday Evenings | 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Zoom
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The MAN VAN® Prostate Cancer Screening
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to partner with the MAN VAN® to offer FREE prostate cancer screening. Prostate cancer screening is done through a simple blood test.
Blood sugar, blood pressure, waist circumference measurements, and mental wellness checks will also be offered to all men aged 18+.
Join us at the Athabasca District Agricultural Society on
February 11 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., and
February 12 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
No appointment necessary!
By participating, you will be entered to win 1 of 10 $250 gift cards!
For questions, please email aandrew@metis.org.
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Learn About The Complexities Of Life With FASD Together!
Join us for this informational webinar about living with FASD.
Experts from the Bissell Centre, Catholic Social Services, and Unlimited Potential Community Services, are guest hosting our Navigating FASD Webinar on Tuesday, January 27.
- No formal diagnosis is needed to attend.
- Open to those living with and supporting those with FASD.
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Tuesday, January 27
6 p.m – 7 p.m
Online via Zoom
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Flourishing Futures Accessibility Grant For Métis Early Learners
This program is designed to support Métis Early Learners aged 0–11 across Alberta by covering the cost of services and supports that will address common developmental, social, and emotional barriers to learning.
Ready to apply, or want to learn more about the program? Visit our website below.
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Join The FASD Mailout
The Children and Family Services’ FASD Bridging Connections Program is bringing you a special FASD Mailout full of resources and activities rooted in Métis culture, values, and traditions.
Sign up to receive a package including:
- Easy-to-use tip sheets
- Métis cultural teachings and activities
- Practical tools to support loved ones with FASD
- Thoughtful gifts to remind you to care for yourself
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Our FASD Team is committed to building compassion, understanding, and wellness in our communities, one step at a time.
Join us on this journey!
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Métis Youth Diversion Engagement Sessions
The Justice Department invites Citizens to our upcoming Métis Youth Diversion Engagement Sessions.
We will be hosting an in-person session in Red Deer on January 31, while the rest of the sessions will be held virtually on February 3, February 4, and February 7.
We welcome Métis youth, families, community members, knowledge holders, and Elders to identify and address specific needs and concerns relating to youth justice.
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The following engagement sessions will be held on these dates:
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January 31, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Red Deer, AB (In-person)
Youth aged 12–17 years, Parents, Guardians, Caregivers
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February 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Virtual
Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
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February 4, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Virtual
Youth aged 12–17 years
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February 7, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Virtual
Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
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February 7, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Virtual
Youth aged 12–17 years
| | The feedback collected allows for us to provide recommendations on next steps to create and administer a Métis Youth Justice Program in Alberta. | | | |
Mamawi Pimohtetan
Métis men! We invite you to join us for Mamawi Pimohtetan, which means “Walking Together” in Cree. This is a weekly men’s group designed to empower Métis men by strengthening their connection to culture and community, while also focusing on breaking the cycles of family violence.
Starting on February 2, all Métis men (Citizen or self-identified) 18+ are invited to join us virtually on Zoom to learn about boundaries, coping strategies, and healthy relationships while engaging in traditional Métis knowledge.
| | This is a valuable opportunity for our men to come together and grow as a community! | | | |
Learn Michif With Dan The Michif Man
Join us with Dan Cardinal for a series of lessons to begin your journey into learning Northern Michif!
Lessons are LIVE on Zoom from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and are open to everyone. Tune in for interactive learning, Michif teachings, and the opportunity to ask your Michif questions!
Next Lesson:
Tuesday, January 27
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative | | | | |
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Traditional Pucker-Toe Moccasins
Join us for a two and a half day Métis Moccasin workshop. Learn traditional hand-sewing techniques and receive a custom pattern for constructing a pair of pucker-toe moccasins. Using authentic materials, you’ll learn basic beading or embroidery on the moccasin vamps (top), and create a pair of moccasins unique to you.
March 21 – March 22
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days
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Repurpose Your Denim Jacket
Join Métis Traditional Teacher and Knowledge Holder to learn basics of appliqué, beading, embroidery, tufting, ribbon work, and hand sewing to create a beautiful garment unique to you.
Designed for adults and youth aged 10 and up.
March 28 and 29
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days
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Métis Teacher Gatherings
Rupertsland Institute’s Teaching and Learning team welcomes Métis educators from across Alberta to celebrate and connect with us in February. We hope to see you on one of these upcoming dates!
Both gatherings are cost-free to attend once you have registered.
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Michif Minecraft
After years of preparation and refinement, RLI is proud to announce the official release of Michif Minecraft!
The world launches on February 6. This free-to-play adventure is easy to weave into classroom learning, with an educator guide and gameplay walkthrough available to support planning and facilitation.
| | Register to access exclusive online, co-taught lessons focused on using Michif Minecraft. Registration allows educators to join with their class for guided exploration of the world. Co-taught lessons begin in March. | |
Voyageur Trades Program Journeypersons
We're hiring for a carpenter, electrician, and plumber to assist and mentor in our newly developed Voyageur Trades Program.
If you've spent time on job sites and understand how the trades work and you enjoy helping others build their careers, this position is for you.
Please note each position requires a red seal.
To apply, email your resume to info@rupertsland.org with the trade position you are applying for referenced in the subject line.
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