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Self-government means shaping our own future as a distinct Indigenous Nation. Our government’s name, Otipemisiwak, means “the people who own themselves.” As the government of the Métis Nation within Alberta, we are continually taking steps towards implementing our Citizen’s vision of self-determination.
Learn more about these efforts in President Sandmaier’s latest update.
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Notice of Citizens' Council Meeting
The Chair of Citizens’ Council wishes to advise Citizens that the next meeting of the Citizens' Council will be on July 30, 2025, open from 1 p.m. at the Coast Nisku Inn & Conference Centre (1101 - 4th Street) in the Nisku Ballroom.
Food and beverages will not be provided. Please bring your Citizenship ID card with you, or another form of Government-issued Identification.
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Secretary Spotlight: Valerie Quintal | |
This month, Secretary Valerie Quintal is featured in the Secretary Spotlight. As the Provincial Secretary of Housing and Infrastructure, Valerie serves on Métis Housing’s board and offers her leadership in discussions shaping long-term housing-related solutions. She has been remarkable in supporting initiatives related to programming and creating more housing options for Métis Albertans. She is very focused on her approach to helping elders and seniors.
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The 3rd Annual Métis Cup Is Coming Up!
Join us for three jam-packed days filled with sport, live entertainment, and activities for all at the Booster Juice Recreation Centre in Terwillegar from August 1 to 3. Hockey player or not, there’s Métis fun for everyone!
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Join Us For Our 97th Year Of Citizens' Gathering!
Citizens’ Gathering will take place at Métis Crossing on August 21 to 24, 2025.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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Help Us Prepare For Citizens' Gathering—RSVP!
Are you joining us for our 97th year of gathering? Let us know!
Gas cards will be available for Citizens travelling more than 150 km to attend the gathering and will be provided to one Citizen per household. To see if you qualify, please check the map available in the RSVP form.
Please Note: RSVPs are used only to estimate attendance. No confirmation emails will be sent, and everyone is welcome to join. Thank you!
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We Are Coming To You!
Our Consultation Department wants to hear from our women, youth aged 16 to 29, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Citizens from across the province!
Attend our engagements and share your thoughts on how we can help you connect with your Métis community and culture as we travel throughout the province. Participants are eligible for an honorarium.
See links below for more information!
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Breaking Barriers: Supporting Métis Early Learners
Discover how the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Children and Family Services Department is making early learning more inclusive through the Flourishing Futures Program—an initiative that helps Métis families access funding and resources for ELCC-aged children.
Join Tania Kruk, Early Years Manager, for a virtual information session on how this program is reducing barriers, reflecting Métis culture, and supporting children to thrive.
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Connect, Learn, and Celebrate at Calgary Métis Mingle—August 19
Join the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Children and Family Services, in partnership with MP Psychology, for a free, one-day event focused on Métis well-being through connection, culture, and learning.
With separate sessions for children, youth, parents, and caregivers, the day includes hands-on activities, mental health workshops, cultural experiences, and snacks throughout.
Métis families living within two hours of Calgary are invited!
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Countdown to FASD Awareness Day: Follow Along!
Join us on the journey to FASD Awareness Day, marked each year on September 9. Starting this month, we’re counting down with weekly posts that share helpful tips, action items, and insights about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and our FASD Bridging Connections Program.
Here’s a look at our first post, follow along on Instagram and Facebook to learn more and help raise awareness!
Everyone plays a part. Take action!
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Coming Soon: Mêtawêtan Early Learning and Child Care Centre
A proud milestone for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Métis families across Alberta.
Opening soon in Griesbach (Edmonton), Mêtawêtan Early Learning and Child Care Centre will be the first early learning centre owned and operated by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. Designed for children aged 19 months to 5 years, the centre will offer 72 licensed spaces in a vibrant, culturally grounded environment.
| | This is more than childcare, it’s a place where our youngest Citizens can learn, grow, and connect to who they are. | | | |
Nurturing Connections: Registration is NOW OPEN!
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government Children and Family Services Department is thrilled to invite you to Nurturing Connections: Métis Family Gathering, happening October 24–26, 2025 at the Wyndham Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta.
This special gathering is all about connection, culture, and community. Métis children and families are invited to come together in a warm, welcoming space filled with family-friendly activities rooted in Métis traditions, values, and ways of knowing.
| | Space is limited and spots will go fast don’t wait! | | | | |
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Join Us For A Community Bird Walk!
Led by Ariane Inman from Bird Dreams, these walks are a great opportunity to gain birding skills and learn about birds’ ecological significance.
New! Missed your chance to register for the August 9 Calgary Bird Walk? Due to popular demand, we’ve added an additional walk that runs from 1 p.m.–3 p.m.!
Questions? Please contact Jac Curry, Environment Coordinator, at environment@metis.org
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Submit Your Berry Harvesting Trip Form Today!
Tell us about your berry harvesting experiences to help us understand what environmental pressures our berry species might be facing.
All Citizens who submit forms by October 31 can enter to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card. We’ll draw a winner and send them the gift card in November.
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | | |
Thinking About Quitting Tobacco? We’re Here To Help.
Join our free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Information Sessions on Zoom to learn about tools and strategies to quit tobacco.
By attending all three sessions, you will receive a $500 Alberta Blue Cross benefits card for NRT products (patch, gum, spray, etc.) or medications (Champix, Zyban).
Register by July 28
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Take the first step toward a tobacco-free lifestyle and break smoking habits.
For more information, contact tobaccoreduction@metis.org
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Life Promotion Strategy
With pride and a shared vision, we present the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Life Promotion Strategy—a powerful step toward strengthening the connections Métis Albertans have to life, wellness, and community.
This strategy is grounded in Métis knowledge, voices, and priorities, outlining a clear path forward that reflects our identity and values.
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Our core priorities include:
- Supporting community-based programming
- Engaging Métis Albertans on health and well-being
- Advancing culturally safe care
Together, we are creating a future where Métis people can thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
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Sacred Pathways: Medicines That Guide Us
Join us for a mindfulness workshop on August 17, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom. During this workshop, we will explore the diverse qualities of self through the guidance of our sacred medicines. Participants will engage in a journey of self-discovery, utilizing artistic expression to deepen their understanding of our kinship connection to the land.
Participants are encouraged to gather outside (if able) in participation with the online facilitator via Zoom.
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This workshop is open to Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens residing in Alberta, 16 or older. A working camera and access to a suitable workspace are required.
No prior artistic experience is needed.
Spaces are limited!
For questions or support, contact Gina Levasseur, Community Wellness Coordinator, at Glevasseur@metis.org.
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Got A Sweet Tooth? We’ve Got The Event For You!
Join us for a fun and creative Cookie Decorating Night in Calgary! Whether you’re a baking pro or just in it for the sprinkles, come hang out, decorate cookies, and enjoy some snacks with other Métis youth!
Snacks and refreshments provided!
Got questions? Reach out to Emily at eberard@metis.org
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Lethbridge: Join Us At Our Jig n’ Jam—Kitchen Party!
Enjoy a classic Métis kitchen party filled with music, dance, and good company! Nicole Acuna will be leading mini jigging lessons and teaching how to play the wooden spoons, and Billy Joseph will be bringing the fiddle tunes!
Calling all musicians—bring your fiddle, guitar, or spoons and join the jam!
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Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative | | | | |
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Reconnect And Explore At Family Camp August 8–10
Join us for Family Camp at Métis Crossing! This unforgettable weekend offers hands-on cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, and meaningful time together on the land. From canoeing and archery to Métis storytelling and crafting, it’s the perfect summer getaway for families looking to unplug and reconnect.
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We're Seeking Proposals!
Rupertsland Institute (RLI) is seeking proposals for Interactive Youth Career Exploration Events. These events will focus on engaging Métis Youth with information on the different career pathways that are ahead of them.
These events will also promote Métis culture and increase awareness of Rupertsland Institute programs and services, as well as other departments and affiliates of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
The deadline to submit is July 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
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Northwest Tattoo Artist Training Project
Rupertsland Institute and the Alberta College of Body Art have drawn up another cohort for our Tattoo Artist Training
Enter into a 6 month training intensive for tattoo artistry with all necessary materials included and safety certifications earned while you learn. The majority of this project is in person at the Alberta College of Body Art in Grande Prairie Alberta from September 2 to February 20 with the first 5 weeks online.
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What you will study:
- Tattoo Linework
- Tattoo Theory and Safety
- Shading Your Work
Applications are now open until August 22, 2025.
All applicants must demonstrate analog (pen and paper) artistic ability to qualify.
Please email Carmella at cmackey@rupertsland.org for more information about this program.
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Connect Through Métis Foundational Knowledge Theme Course!
Learn about Métis in Alberta through RLI's free, online, certified Métis Foundational Knowledge Theme Course! Everyone is welcome to register for this asynchronous course today!
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Education Consultant Secondment Opportunity
"Working with Rupertsland changed the way I teach. It’s community, culture, and purpose.”
Now it’s your turn.
We’re looking for a seconded Education Consultant to support ELCC, K–12, and Métis language initiatives.
Collaborate. Learn. Lead.
Bring Métis perspectives into classrooms across Alberta.
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Join RLI's Expanding Team
We are hiring for various roles requiring diverse skill sets. Please note that more postings will also be coming out soon and the full list of open positions is available on our website.
See an opportunity that suits you?
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Registry Has A New Email Address!
To better represent the Registry Department’s important role with Otipemisiwak Métis Government, the department has updated its email address.
Starting immediately, citizenship@metis.org will be the new email address to contact our Registry Department.
We encourage you to reach out to citizenship@metis.org for any needs surrounding Métis Citizenship and the application process.
Emails sent to registry@metis.org will be redirected to the department’s inbox. We encourage you to use our new email address to ensure timely responses and streamlined communication.
Thank you for remaining connected with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Registry Department. We look forward to staying in touch!
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