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This week, the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada announced plans to advance a west coast pipeline. It is a significant proposal for Alberta, and one that affects the rights, lands, and future of Métis people in this province.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government supports responsible major-project development. Our tradespeople are ready to work, our businesses are ready to build, and our Citizens support projects that create jobs, ownership opportunities, and long-term benefits for Métis communities.
But we need to be included early, before major decisions are made.
We represent more than 78,000 rights-bearing Métis Albertans, and our rights are protected under Section 35 of the Constitution. A project of this scale must engage our government from the beginning as a rights-holder.
Months ago, we proposed an interim consultation protocol for major projects in Alberta. It would set out a clear process for early notice, engagement with our government and District Councils, and more certainty for project development. To date, we have not received a response, but we remain ready to move this work forward.
The Métis Nation helped build this country. We are ready to help continue building it.
President Andrea Sandmaier,
Otipemisiwak Métis Government
| | Summer District By-Elections – Vote Now | | |
Get ready to vote!
The Summer District By-Elections for the
Rocky View Métis District are right around the corner.
Registration for online voting opens July 11
Voting period runs July 14 to 20
Prefer to vote in-person?
Visit the Rocky View Métis District polling station on:
July 20
8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
64 East Lake Avenue NE
Airdrie, Alberta
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Join Us For Our 98th Citizens’ Gathering!
The Citizens’ Gathering provides an opportunity for Citizens to come together to share in Métis social, cultural, political, and spiritual activities and to participate in the governance of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
Dates and Locations:
August 20
Big Fish Bay Resort, BBQ & activities
August 21–22
Slave Lake Multi-Rec Centre
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Will we see you there? Let us know!
Fill out the RSVP form below!
Please note that only Citizens can register and vote. Citizens who do not RSVP are also welcome to take part in the gathering. Spouses, children, and friends are welcome to join the other festivities.
Citizens travelling a round trip between 550 and 999 kms will receive a $150 gas card. Those travelling a round trip of 1000 kms or more will receive a $200 gas card. Gas cards are first come first-served.
We can’t wait to continue our ongoing work of self-governance with you! For questions, contact CitizensGathering@metis.org.
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Submit Your Citizens’ Gathering Special Resolutions!
We want to hear from you!
At the Citizens’ Gathering, Citizens will receive reports from the President, Citizens’ Council, and Institutions, receive updates on matters of importance facing the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, ask questions, provide their views, and table proposals.
Submit your Special Resolutions no later than 3 p.m. on July 24 to the Chair at Chair@metis.org.
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Information and resources to support Citizen participation, including Citizens’ Proposals and Special Resolutions are available below:
Citizens’ Gathering Resources:
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President Andrea Sandmaier Speaks With CityTV Edmonton On Prospective Pipeline Construction
President Andrea Sandmaier was featured in a story done by CityTV Edmonton on the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s reaction to prospective pipeline construction that will run through Southern Alberta. President Sandmaier was clear that she expects both the federal and Alberta governments to fulfill their obligations to consult with our government before moving forward.
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The Kitchen Party Tour Is
Coming To You!
Looking for an opportunity to share
stories, tap your feet to fiddle tunes,
and dance the night away? Look no
further, The Kitchen Party Tour is
coming to you!
We are bringing that kitchen party
energy across the province from May
19 to July 26. Come out to the location
nearest you, bring your own lawn chair
or picnic blanket, and enjoy an evening
of music, community, youth activities,
door prizes, and more!
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No registration or ticket required – EVERYONE is welcome! So, mark your calendars, bring everyone you know, and join us at The Kitchen Party Tour! You
won’t want to miss this!
*Please note Tail Creek has been replaced by Rocky Mountain House.
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Our Métis Cup Festival Is More Than A Hockey Tournament
Summer fun continues for free at our fourth annual Métis Cup Festival! Everyone is welcome to join our family-friendly weekend with an artist’s market, live music, and youth activities. If you’re missing hockey action in the NHL’s off-season, you can support your community by cheering on our U7-U18 hockey tournament.
July 31 to August 2
Booster Juice Recreation Centre Terwillegar Edmonton
| | Showcase your talents at our Artist Market! There are no fees for artists to participate—we want to invest in you! Application is open to Métis Citizens only. Limited spots are available. | | Mark your calendars! Stay up to date through our event webpage. | | | | |
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Mamawi Pimohtetan: An Empowering Journey For Métis Men
We invite you to join our new series of Mamawi Pimohtetan—"walking together” in Cree—a program designed to empower men with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to heal, build healthy relationships, and move forward with purpose.
Mondays, April 27–July 27
from 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Zoom (Online)
To sign up, email Justice@metis.org.
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An Archival Project For Our Métis Survivors
With the guidance of Survivors, family members, and the community, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government is launching an archival project to document the stories of Métis residential school Survivors.
This Project seeks to create a space for Métis stories to be heard, remembered, and respected. This archival project will create a resource for people to access and learn from our community members.
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If you're comfortable, please fill out this form in the link below so our team can connect with you to continue the conversation.
All registration details will remain confidential.
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | | |
Understanding the Land: Honouring Gifts From Mother Earth
Join a virtual somatic learning experience to deepen your connection to the land through creativity, reflection, and exploration of self.
Wednesdays
July 29 – September 16
(8 sessions)
6 p.m.– 7:30 p.m.
Virtual (Zoom)
A pre-packaged kit will be mailed to each household.
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Eligibility:
- Be an Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen
- Be a resident of Alberta
- Have access to a device to join the Zoom sessions
- Have access to a clean and clear area for journalling and/or art activities
- Be able to walk or venture outside
Registration opens: July 15
Children under 12 must join with an adult.
Contact Gina Levasseur at LandBasedWellness@metis.org
for questions or support.
Note: Not suitable for those with plant/scent allergies or discomfort outdoors
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Are You Navigating Cancer? You Are Not Alone.
Navigating cancer can be challenging, but support is available. Wellspring Alberta’s Indigenous Cancer Sharing Circle provides a safe and welcoming space for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults living in Alberta.
First Monday of every month
2 p.m.– 3:30 p.m. MST
Virtual (Zoom)
Open to all Indigenous peoples
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Are You Living With A Serious Illness?
Palliative and end-of-life care helps ease pain, provides grief and spiritual support, and ensures your care meets your needs at home, in the community, or in a care facility.
This holistic care focuses on respect and understanding, relieves pain and symptoms, supports grief, and helps you honour care decisions while embracing life fully.
Need help accessing palliative and end-of-life care?
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Check out these resources and supports:
For more information, contact us at Health@metis.org.
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Support The Askîy Wildlife Community Monitor Program!
If you enjoy observing animals or you’ve harvested migratory birds, small game, big game, or furbearers, we want to hear from you!
By submitting Wildlife Monitoring Reports, you’ll help the Otipemisiwak Métis Government advocate for Métis-led management and protection of wildlife in Alberta.
For more information, contact Environment@metis.org.
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Learn About Your Local Wildlife With One Of Our Wildlife Cameras!
Want to learn more about your local wildlife and support our monitoring programs at the same time? Here’s your chance!
Our Environment and Climate Change Department is looking for 15 Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens who would like to deploy a wildlife camera on their property. Cameras, equipment, and training resources will be provided. Participating Citizens must either own or have permission to access private land.
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Livestock Emergency Preparedness Tip:
Planning For Common Risks And Hazards
Learning about the hazards that may affect your farm and planning for them helps you protect your household, animals, and livelihood.
Common hazards and emergencies include the following:
Natural disasters and severe storms: Floods, droughts, extreme heat, wildfires, tornadoes, blizzards, snowstorms, thunderstorms, etc.
Diseases: Bovine tuberculosis, chronic wasting disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, equine infectious anemia, avian influenza, anthrax, etc.
Human-made hazards: Power outages, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous waste spills, etc.
Want to learn more? Download our Livestock Emergency Preparedness Planner in the link below.
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Join Us: Oskaya Ayamichikewak Young Readers Info Session
The Children and Family Services Department is excited to invite families, educators, and community members to learn about our Young Readers Program with guest speaker, Jennifer Belisle, the lead coordinator of the program.
Join us online on July 14 to learn more about how we are nurturing a love of reading, storytelling, and cultural connection with our young readers.
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Time to Explore Culture Card Collection Series 3 Métis Makers –
Registration Is Open!
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Children and Family Services Department is excited to share the Métis Culture Card Collection — with Series 3: Métis Makers.
Designed for early learners, these fun and engaging cards help families discover and celebrate Métis culture, history, and traditions together.
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Eligibility:
• Reside in Alberta
• Legal guardian of a child aged 0–11
• Parent/guardian or child is a registered Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen
• Complete the application process
Learn, play, and celebrate Métis culture as a family!
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Be Featured On This Year's Orange Shirt Day T-shirt!
Voting will take place online! The winner will receive a printed shirt featuring their design!
The winning design will be made available for purchase ahead of Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation! Please stay-tuned for details!
Contest Rules:
- Must be Métis Youth Citizen between the ages of 12–29.
- Artwork must be original, focused on Métis identity, and relate to the Every Child Matters movement.
- Must include an entry form in your submission.
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Deadline: July 31st
Please note: Submissions should NOT include the phrase ‘Every Child Matters,’ as its use is under copyright by the Orange Shirt Society.
Voting will be open from August 4–5.
Check back on our socials to vote for your favourite design!
Questions? Email us at Youth@metis.org.
| | Education, Training And Research | | | |
Métis Youth Tour Guide Summer Camp
Adventurous Métis Youth aged 15–17, mark your calendars for two unforgettable weeks of exploration and learning.
July 26
Painted Warriors Ranch
Sundre, Alberta
This is a comprehensive training experience, earning national certifications in horseback riding (levels 1 & 2), remote first aid, hiking field leadership, and Métis cultural interpretation.
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Led by seasoned guides, experts and Métis Elders, this camp promises to broaden your horizons and unlock new skills!
Ready for adventure? Don't miss out!
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Sleep Under The Stars
For the Métis people, the night sky was a calendar, a clock, and a guide.
At Métis Crossing, you can sleep beneath it. Our Sky Watching Domes feature transparent ceilings, heated floors, a king bed, private bathroom, and kitchenette. Available in single and family configurations, sleeping up to nine.
With near-zero light pollution and northern lights potential, there's no better place to spend a night on the land.
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Every Kind Of Stay, One Incredible Place
The Campground at Métis Crossing sits right along the North Saskatchewan River, where your family can sleep under the stars, walk the trails, and step into the living culture of the Métis people all in the same weekend.
⛺ Trapper's tents from $110/night
🚐 Powered RV sites from $45/night
🌲 Tent sites from $25/night
Cultural workshops, wildlife, storytelling, and a playground for the kids, it's all here, just 90 minutes northeast of Edmonton.
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Get Up Close With The Animals That Shape Our Story
The Visions, Hopes and Dreams Wildlife Tour is one of those experiences that stays with you.
Join a Métis Cultural Interpreter for a guided SUV tour into the paddocks, where white bison, wood bison, plains bison, elk, and Percheron horses roam the land their ancestors have always known.
Running year-round, twice daily
Adults $81 | Youth & Seniors $65
Spots are limited to groups of 8–10
| | Picture of Citizens' Council taken June 12, 2025 | | Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative | |
The Kitchen Party Tour: District 14, 15 & 2 | |
Medicine Hat, Airdrie, And Tail Creek –
We’re Coming To You!
Invite all you know and enjoy an evening of music, community, youth activities,
door prizes, and more! Make sure to bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket.
No registration or ticket required – EVERYONE is welcome!
We’ll see you there!
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District 17: Fort McMurray Métis Fest | | |
Fort McMurray Métis District 17 District Captain Kelly Myers, along with Councillors Alcide Punko, Doug Webb, Clifford Flett (Male Elder of the Year), and Chris Mooney, would like to thank everyone who attended their Métis Fest, especially those who participated in the Grand Entry and Opening Ceremonies and helped start the weekend in a good way, with prayer, song, celebration, and community.
They were honoured to welcome representatives from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
Métis Fest is more than an event. It is a remembrance. It is pride. It is a resurgence. Presence is truly a gift, and they are grateful for those who made the time to be with them.
Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see more photos from the weekend and relive all the special moments.
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Otipemisiwak Métis Government Event Photos
View the public galleries below and relive the memorable moments!
Photos from the annual Audrey Poitras 27th Annual Golf Tournament are now available on Flickr.
| To explore all Otipemisiwak Métis Government event photos, sign up for a free Flickr account. | | | | |
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