|
|
|
Dear Citizens,
As we celebrate National Indigenous History Month, we have an opportunity for us to reflect on our rich heritage as Métis people and celebrate our resilience, unity, and journey towards self-government.
Our story is deeply intertwined with the history of Alberta and the Métis Nation Homeland.
| |
|
Métis communities have played a pivotal role in shaping Alberta's identity, from the establishment of Fort Chipewyan in 1788, the oldest continuously occupied settlement in Alberta, to Lesser Slave Slake where many Métis from the1870 Red River Resistance settled. These hubs became centres of Métis culture and commerce, attracting families who contributed to the growth of our communities across the province.
Despite facing significant challenges throughout our history, such as land displacement, and the scrip system, our community prevailed, and we moved forward with determination and strength. We have always persevered and we will not be erased. Today, we stand proudly as the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, embodying self-reliance and a commitment to being the people who rule ourselves.
Looking ahead, self-government remains our primary focus, enabling us to safeguard Métis children, advocate for equitable services, and preserve our cultural heritage. Work continues on negotiating our Treaty, which the Government of Canada is legally bound to complete with us. Soon we will bring the draft Treaty to our citizens to consult on it, because it is a Treaty for our people.
I would like to invite everyone to Alberta Métis Fest on June 21 and 22 for a great day of musical performances, jigging competitions, cultural experiences, and more.
Together, we can build a brighter future for generations to come.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Sincerely,
President Andrea Sandmaier
Otipemisiwak Métis Government
| | |
|
Citizen Consultation on Bill 2024-01, “An Act to Amend the District Boundaries Act”
Bill 2024-01 has completed first reading in Citizens’ Council and is now open for Citizen consultation until July 7, 2024. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in our legislative processes.
| |
|
As part of this commitment, and in line with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution and Section 50 of the Self-Government Act, Citizens’ Council has published Bill 2024-01, "An Act to Amend the District Boundaries Act" for Citizen consultation.
Bill 2024-01 proposes amendments to the District Boundaries Act, 2023, which clarifies membership and voting procedures of the District Boundaries Commission, ensuring proper representation of one member per Territory within the Commission. Specifically, the amendments seek to increase the number of members in the Commission from five including a chairperson, to six including a chairperson. This ensures there will be five voting members, each residing in and representing one of the five Territories. The bill also clarifies the voting rights of the chairperson, specifying that they should not vote on any decision of the Commission except to break a tie. These amendments maintain the principle of equal and balanced representation of each Territory within the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
View Otipemisiwak Métis Government Bill 2024-01, “An Act to Amend the District Boundaries Act".
Citizens’ Council’s ability to make meaningful change as a government is directly linked to our ability to engage with and be responsive to the needs and ambitions of our Citizens and communities in keeping with the Métis tradition of kapikiskwanaw, meaning “we will talk.”
Share your thoughts on Bill 2024-01 until July 7, 2024 using the link below or reach out to your Citizens’ Representative.
| |
Get Ready For Métis Fest 2024!
Jigging Contest! Living Fiddle Legend Performances! Fish Fry! BINGO!
Check out our full schedule for Alberta Métis Fest and join us next weekend,
June 21 – 22, at Métis Crossing!
| |
Head Over To Our Artisan Market And Shop 'Till You Drop! | |
Introducing Our Event Emcee!
We are pleased to announce that Ross ‘MEMPHIS’ Pambrun will be our Emcee for Alberta Métis Fest!
You can read Ross’s bio here.
| |
Métis Jamboree!
Head over to Alberta Métis Fest and enjoy incredible performances by singers, fiddlers, and jiggers!
You can find a list of performers here.
| |
Ready To Meet The Legends?
See the Living Fiddle Legends perform at Alberta Métis Fest and experience the very best of Métis fiddling!
| |
Before You Go
Check out this information package before you head out to Métis Crossing!
Make sure to be familiar with the Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan so we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!
For more information visit albertametis.com/events/AlbertaMetisFest or email us at abmetisfest@metis.org
| | |
|
Call For Referees!
We're looking for dedicated and skilled referees for our upcoming tournament in August.
If you have a passion for hockey and refereeing experience, we want you!
Apply now and be part of an exciting event!
| | |
|
Last Call For Players!
There’s still time to sign up for the 2nd Annual Métis Cup!
We are looking for 28 U9 players, a U9 goalie, and a U18 goalie to join our teams.
We are only accepting:
- U9 players born in 2015 or 2016.
- U18 players born in 2006, 2007, or 2008.
| | |
|
Your Voice Matters!
Participate in our Engagement Survey to shape the future of EPCOR’s City of Edmonton Transmission Reinforcement (CETR) Project.
The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has identified a need to reinforce the electric system in northeast Edmonton and replace the aging infrastructure.
| |
|
The CETR Project is a proposed project to build two new transmission lines and a new substation, as well as remove older infrastructure.
Your input will help the Otipemisiwak Métis Government ensure Métis voices and views are represented. Your insights will directly impact the future of this project.
| | |
|
Happy Pollinator Week!
Share photos of your favourite pollinators or your efforts to help them (e.g. planting flowers, using bee boxes) to enter our Pollinator Week Giveaway!
Prize packages include 9 pollinator native seed packs, educational materials, a book, and a Swedish dishcloth. You can find a full list of prizes by clicking on the Registration Link.
| |
Registration is open from June 17 to June 23, closing at 11:59 p.m. Three winners will be selected, and prize packages will be mailed by the end of June. One prize package per household. | | |
|
Help Protect Alberta's Fish And Their Habitat
We’re keeping tabs on Alberta’s fish so they can be enjoyed by future generations.
Help us monitor the species that are important to you by telling us about your fishing activities, what you’re catching, how the fish taste, and more.
| |
|
Fill out any (or all!) of our fishing forms between May 15 to August 31 and be entered to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card.
One gift card is available for each of the three forms (fishing trip, fish measurement & health, and palatability), so make sure to submit!
| |
Sustainability Tip Of The Week
Making an Emergency Preparedness Kit
With wildfire season upon us, it’s a good idea to build yourself an Emergency Kit. From natural disasters to unexpected emergencies, having a well-stocked kit can make all the difference. Include essentials like non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, medicine, pet food, and important documents.
Kits stocked with at least three days of essential items are handy to have year-round. It is also recommended to store one in your vehicle in case you have car trouble or must evacuate quickly.
For information on what to include in an emergency kit and resources on wildfire preparedness please visit the Métis Nation of Alberta’s Resources on Wildfire and Emergency Support or email wildfires@metis.org
Or watch our speaker spotlight recording on Emergency Preparedness!
| | | |
Pathway To Healthy Living | | |
|
Connections In Recovery:
We Are Here, And We Are Listening
Recovery journeys can be lonely paths to navigate. We have a community to help you along the way.
Connections in Recovery is designed as a safe space for individuals, friends, and family whose lives are affected by addiction.
Join us every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to connect and build friendships in support and solidarity with each other’s recovery process.
| |
|
Our Children and Family Services Department can help Métis families find culturally appropriate opportunities to maintain and enhance connections with community, culture, programs, and services.
Our Health Department can provide access to culturally appropriate, self-directed health and wellness opportunities designed to address the unique health profile of Métis Albertans.
| |
Uniting Métis Voices: Transforming Care For Our Children | |
|
What is happening?
We invite you to participate in the Reclaiming Our Children: Act C.92 Engagement Sessions where together, we will shape a care model for Métis children and families who are currently receiving or are at risk of child intervention services.
Who can participate?
All Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Metis Government are encouraged to join and contribute to the development of the C.92 Model of Care.
Do you have any questions?
Don't hesitate to contact Jordan Weeres at 780-455-2200 ext. 290 or email at jweeres@metis.org for questions and assistance registering for this event.
| |
The True Canadians Podcast | | |
|
Indigenous Veterans
Countless Métis have found themselves in the middle of wars over the centuries, retired Sgt. Chuck Isaacs has learned a few things as a member of the Canadian Forces.
By all accounts, Métis and other Indigenous Canadians are over-represented in Canada’s roll call of veterans. There’s even a separate Remembrance Day for them: November 8.
| |
|
But their record of service is rarely acknowledged by the broader public. As president of the Aboriginal Veterans Society of Alberta and the Métis Veterans Council of Alberta, Isaacs would like to change that.
In this episode of The True Canadians, he explains what it would take to make that happen, and shares some of his experiences as one of those NATO peacekeepers who helped rebuild what used to be Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
| |
National Indigenous People's Day | |
Check out these great opportunities! | |
Be Part Of Something Extraordinary With Rupertsland Institute.
Are you a Métis post-secondary student passionate about helping your community?
RLI has exciting internship opportunities waiting for you!
What's in it for you?
- Real-world experience in a culturally rich environment
- Networking opportunities
- Collaborate, innovate, and build up your resume along the way
| |
|
Admin Assistant - Do you have an eye for detail and love to organize? Assist the METI-Service Centre team and gain real world experience in a welcoming office environment.
HR Assistant - Got a knack for engaging people? Be a part of internal and community events running throughout the summer with RLI.
Web Developer - Put your tech skills to use and update your resume as well as the RLI web presence.
| |
Find your Citizens’ Council Representative or District Captain! | |
Métis Culture Camp
Registration link now open! Everyone is welcome!
The Fort Vermilion Métis Local 74 is excited to announce the first ever Métis Culture Camp taking place on traditional Métis territory and along the mighty Peace River.
This four-day camp will include cultural teachings from Métis Elder Leonard Cardinal, a pipe ceremony, jigging lessons, voyageur games, fire teachings, traditional plant walk, fishing, bannock on a stick, entertainment, and so much more!
Click the link below to complete the registration form.
| |
Register With The Otipemisiwak Métis Government | |
See You At Alberta Métis Fest 2024! | | | | |
