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Happy Alberta Métis Fest and Happy Pride Month!
Whether you're with us at Métis Crossing or celebrating from afar, today is a celebration of Métis pride, joy, and community.
At the same time, many Citizens are facing the impacts of wildfires. Please know we are thinking of you and working to support you. You can find emergency resources here: albertametis.com/emergency-preparedness
Wishing you a safe and joyful day, wherever you are.
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Get Ready to Vote
Get ready to vote in the Otipemisiwak Métis Government District Elections on June 16–23, 2025.
Electronic Voting
Electronic voting will be open from June 16–23. Registration for online voting will open on June 14 at metiselectionsab.com.
Once your form is submitted, it may take 24 to 48 hours to confirm your information. You will be emailed a PIN and voting instructions when you are confirmed.
**Due to processing time, registration for online voting will be closed on June 23 at 6 p.m. Please complete your form well in advance to ensure you have time to cast your electronic vote.
In-Person Voting
In-person voting will take place in the District or Sub-District where you reside. All polling locations will operate June 21–23 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Secretary Spotlight:
Joe Chodzicki
This month, Secretary Joe Chodzicki is featured in the Secretary Spotlight. Born in High Prairie, Alberta, Joe Chodzicki spent his early years surrounded by family and tradition.
Joe has been involved in Métis governance for more than 30 years, serving in local leadership roles with the Métis Nation of Alberta, including as Vice President and Local President, and now Citizens’ Representative for the Red Deer Métis District in the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
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Alberta Métis Fest Is Happening!
Check out this information package before you head out for all the fun at Alberta Métis Fest, June 13–14, 2025, at Metis Crossing!
Make sure to be familiar with the Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan so we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!
Due to the weather, tonight's Alberta Métis Fest activities will be moved indoors.
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Sign Up For The 3rd Annual Métis Cup
We are still looking for U9 hockey players, U15 hockey players and a goalie, and coaches aged 16 to 20 years old to join us at this year’s Métis Cup at the Terwillegar Rec Centre in Edmonton from August 1 to 3, 2025.
Enjoy the weekend with a culturally rich, community-focused festival where all skill levels can play!
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Peace River Nuclear Project: Citizen Information Session
Citizens in Peace River Métis District 14 are invited to an upcoming in-person information session and Q&A about the proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project.
Wednesday
June 18, 2025
Free supper: 5:30 p.m.
Information session: 7 p.m.
Quality Inn & Conference Centre 9510 100 St., Peace River
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This meeting will provide Citizens the opportunity to learn about the project, ask questions of the industry proponent and regulators in attendance, and raise any initial concerns.
Travel costs will be covered according to Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s travel policy.
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Your Voice Matters!
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.
Registration for the upcoming August locations is coming soon!
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Traditional Land Use Survey
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government Consultation Department seeks your input on Traditional Land Use along the mountain range of Crowsnest Pass and the Sparwood area.
We want to hear any of your concerns regarding the impact of coal mining activity on your Section 35 Rights in this region.
All responses are kept strictly confidential. Any personal details you provide will only be used to contact you in the future if you wish to participate in any future engagement opportunities on this matter.
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FASD And The Justice System Part Two
Don’t miss the next installment in our powerful webinar series on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the justice system.
Tuesday
June 24, 2025
6 p.m.–7 p.m.
This session features Angela Kemble from the Willow Winds Support Network, who will share valuable insights and practical strategies for supporting individuals with FASD involved in the criminal justice system.
| | Whether you work in the field or want to deepen your understanding, this session will leave you better equipped to advocate for change and compassion. | | | |
The Importance Of Centering Métis Voices In Early Childhood Spaces
Join us for an engaging session that highlights the importance of Métis-led approaches in early learning and child care.
Tuesday
July 15, 2025
6 p.m.–7 p.m.
Zoom
Our featured speaker, Molly Young, brings a wealth of experience as the former operator of an Early Learning Centre. Molly will share insights on fostering culturally grounded environments.
| | Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leader in Métis early childhood education. | | | |
Day Home Startup Pilot Program Launch
The Children & Family Services Team is excited to launch the Day Home Startup Pilot Program!
Métis families deserve culturally relevant, reliable child care. This program supports Métis Citizens in opening and operating day homes by offering personal and financial assistance, guidance through licensing, and Métis Cultural Awareness training.
Our goal is to grow Métis-run day homes across Alberta, strengthening community connections and preserving culture for future generations!
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Fish Monitoring Program
It’s fishing season again! Fill out our fishing forms between June 1 and August 31 at albertametis.com/fish-health and be entered to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card.
Your submissions support our Fish Community Monitoring StoryMap, a Citizen-powered resource with information on popular fishing spots, recommended seasons for fishing, and more.
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Complete The Species At Risk Survey Today!
Share your thoughts and concerns about the plants and animals that are important to you before the Species at Risk survey closes on June 30! You’ll have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win one of five $100 gift cards from GoodMinds, a First Nations family-owned bookstore.
Questions? Contact environment@metis.org.
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | | |
Land-Based Healing Retreat: Preparing For New Life
Join us from June 27–29, 2025, at Métis Crossing for a healing retreat focused on the journey of parenthood. This gathering will cover topics from pregnancy and birth to feeding and postpartum care. Participants can look forward to workshops, story-sharing, and opportunities for connection. This event is open to Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens in Alberta who are expecting or caring for a newborn.
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Cervix Self-Screening Test For Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
You can now screen for cervical cancer yourself in the comfort of your own home or anywhere you feel most comfortable. It is easy, painless, accurate and free of charge.
Visit: screeningforlife.ca/cervical or call AHS Screening Programs at 1-866-727-3926, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to see if you are eligible for self-screening.
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Indigenous Support Line
Indigenous patients and families across Alberta now have access to an innovative service to help them navigate the healthcare system in a culturally safe way.
Indigenous patients, their family members, friends, and front-line healthcare providers can reach out to the Indigenous Support Line for advice, advocacy, navigation, translation services and more.
To reach the Indigenous Support Line, call 1-844-944-4744 or 811 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays.
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Palliative and End-of-Life Care Engagement Survey
What matters most to you in palliative and end-of-life care? The Otipemisiwak Métis Government wants to hear from Métis Albertans and their caregivers aged 18+ through our Palliative and End-of-Life Care Engagement Survey. Your input will help inform policies, services, and improvements that reflect the unique needs of our communities. The survey is voluntary, anonymous, and takes only a few minutes to complete. Plus, you’ll be entered to win 1 of 5 $250 gift cards!
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Substance Use Recovery Program
Shakiwayniwayhk, the Substance Use Recovery Program, offers eligible Citizens recovering from substance use disorder individualized support to foster independent and healthy living during the maintenance stage of recovery.
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To be eligible for this program, applicants must:
- Be an Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen
- Be aged 18 +
- Be a resident of Alberta
- Be in recovery from substance use disorder
- Have completed treatment at a Recovery Alberta-approved residential or inpatient program in the past 12 months
OR
- Be actively engaged and stabilized for 6 months through a Recovery Alberta-accredited outpatient treatment program and have this confirmed by your outpatient treatment team*
For more information email us at: substanceuserecovery@metis.org
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The Youth Department Is Heading To 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 & 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!
Don’t forget your jigging shoes!
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Calling All Métis Young Adults!
Join Kristen for a fun, creative session—let’s get growing together! Learn the basics of keeping an open terrarium, design your own mini ecosystem, and take home your very own little green world! For Métis Citizens aged 18–29 from any and all Districts.
Limited Spots Available! Registration will open June 22 at 12 p.m.
Questions? Contact Kristen Acuna at
kacuna@metis.org
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Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative | | | |
Métis Stampede Festival
The Calgary Nose Hill and Elbow Métis Districts, in partnership with the Rocky View Métis District, are proud to invite you to the Métis Stampede Festival—a vibrant one-day cultural celebration showcasing the richness of Métis heritage.
Theme: Celebrating Métis Identity Through Culture and Community.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Confluence Historical Site
and Parkland
(Formerly Fort Calgary)
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This family-friendly event is open to the public and features a full day of traditional music, dancing, storytelling, games, and crafts designed to engage all ages. Come and experience the spirit of the Métis Nation through:
- Live performances by Métis fiddlers, jiggers, and musicians
- Cultural talks and storytelling by Elders and knowledge keepers
- Artisan market with traditional Métis crafts and goods
- Voyageur & field games for children and families
- Adult axe throwing and fun competitions
- Interactive youth programming
- Community engagement booths hosted by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government departments
For more information, volunteer opportunities, or vendor registration, please contact Carmen Lasanté at clasante@metis.org
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Call For Métis Artists—The Lodge At Métis Crossing
Métis Crossing is inviting Métis artists to contribute their creative vision to The Lodge at Métis Crossing. This is more than just wall art—it’s an opportunity to share Métis stories, culture, and traditions in a space where guests will experience them firsthand.
We are seeking original artwork for guest rooms that will provide visitors with a deeper connection to the Métis way of life.
Why Get Involved?
Permanent Display: Your work will become part of The Lodge’s lasting cultural experience.
Compensation: Budgets range from $1,500–$3,500 per room.
Creative Freedom: Submissions can include painting, beading, sculptural work (wooden paddles, feathers, leather, hide), photography, collage, and more.
Thematic Storytelling: Share stories about Métis history, families, land and water relations, entrepreneurship, and creative expression.
SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN! Send your portfolio and concept to gberg@metis.org
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This Deadline Has Been Extended!
Get your applications in for this incredible project from Rupertsland Institute and the Alberta College of Body Art.
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 July 7 to December 19 with the first 5 weeks online.
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What will you study:
- Tattoo Linework
- Tattoo Theory and Safety
- Shading Your Work
Applications are open until June 23, apply now!
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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Opportunity: Métis Education Consultant
"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.
| | Early Learning Education Childcare Training (ELECT) | | Early Learning Educators and Leaders are invited to apply for RLI's ELECT 2025–26 Cohort to be empowered with a Métis approach to early learning for the benefit of all learners. | | | | |
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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, but 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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