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This weekend, the Kitchen Party Tour heads north. We will be in Grande Prairie on Friday, Peace River on Saturday, and Fort Vermilion on Sunday. Each of these communities has been home to Métis families for centuries. Fort Vermilion, established in 1788, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in Alberta. When we gather for a kitchen party in places like these, we are coming home to ground our families helped build.
June is also National Indigenous History Month, and as it draws to a close, I want to leave you with one message. Be proud of who you are as a Métis person. Our story did not begin with what was taken from us. It began with the land, with our families, with our languages, and with the way we have always cared for one another. That story is alive today, in every fiddle picked up, every jig danced, and every kitchen party we hold.
Being Métis is not something to explain to anyone. It is something to celebrate. I hope to see many of you this weekend, in the spirit of Âstam Pi Kîyoki. Come and visit.
President Andrea Sandmaier,
Otipemisiwak Métis Government
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Citizen Spotlight:
Sherry Duncan
Citizen Sherry Duncan, a proud Métis educator, keynote speaker, and advocate for Indigenous and early learning education, has been awarded the prestigious Jaye Fredrickson Award for Teaching Excellence at NorQuest College, the highest honour an instructor can receive at the college. The award recognizes exceptional commitment to teaching excellence, student advocacy, innovation, and transformative learning.
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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*Please note Tail Creek has been replaced by Rocky Mountain House.
| | The Candidates For The 2026 Summer District By-Elections Have Been Confirmed | | |
Find out who is running for District Council and get ready to vote July 14-20!
Be sure to check your mailbox for your ballot package.
Learn more about the upcoming election by clicking the link below.
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Event Photo Collection – Alberta Métis Fest
Photos from Alberta Métis Fest are now available on Flickr!
To explore all Otipemisiwak Métis Government event photos, sign up for a free Flickr account.
View the public galleries below and relive the memorable moments!
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Apply Now To Be A 2026 Métis Cup Festival Referee!
We are seeking dedicated and skilled referees (aged 13+) for this year's 4th Annual Métis Cup Festival! If you are passionate about sports and have experience in refereeing, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
You’ll receive $30 a game to referee U7–U18 hockey with three-on-three game rules and two 25-minute periods.
Sign up now with this registration form.
Mark your calendars! Stay up to date through our event webpage.
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Citizens’ Gathering: Application Deadline For Artist Market Extended To June 30
The application deadline for the Artist Market at the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens’ Gathering has been extended to June 30.
This year, the Citizens’ Gathering will take place from August 20–22 at the Multi-Rec Centre in Slave Lake.
The Artist Market will be open on August 21 and 22.
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Mamawi Pimohtetan: A Program Designed to Empower 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)
No Sessions: June 29
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Community Reforestation Day Volunteer Event
Support Alberta’s forests and learn about the forestry industry by volunteering at our reforestation event.
July 18
Wolf Lake, Yellowhead County
Help restore a forest that was damaged by fire through tree planting and seed collection, guided by our partners, Veritree and Shakti.
Every tree planted contributes to our goal of restoring 2.1 million trees.
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Participants will meet in Edmonton on July 17 to travel to Edson.
Transportation, hotel accommodations, and bagged meals will be provided.
Only 30 spots are available.
Registration opens on July 2 at 12 p.m.
For inquiries, email environment@metis.org.
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Where Did The Migratory Bird Survey Fly Off To?
Did you know? You can now report migratory bird observations and harvests via our Wildlife Monitoring Report at AlbertaMetis.com/wildlife-report!
Visit the link below today to share your observations and harvests.
For more information, please reach out to environment@metis.org.
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Get Ready For Our Livestock Emergency Preparedness Campaign!
Are you a Citizen who works as a livestock producer? Don’t miss the Environment and Climate Change Department’s (ECC) upcoming Livestock Emergency Preparedness campaign.
Over the course of the campaign, we’ll share:
- An informational Livestock Emergency Preparedness mini-series on our YouTube channel
- Simple, practical livestock emergency preparedness tips in the next three issues of Voyageurs Voice
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A free, downloadable Livestock Emergency Preparedness Planner on our website
Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to be notified of the campaign’s launch!
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | | |
Free Prostrate Cancer Screening For Métis Men
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to partner with the MAN VAN® to offer FREE prostate cancer screening for Métis men (aged 40–70). 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+.
July 8 from 2 p.m.–5 p.m.
July 9 from 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Pembina Place, 4944 53 Street Redwater
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You will be entered to win 1 of 10 $250 gift cards!
For questions, please email aandrew@metis.org.
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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, at 9 a.m.
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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District 11 Dental Clinic
Join us for the Métis District 11 Redwater Free Dental Clinic and Community Gathering!
This event is about bringing our community together, improving health, and enjoying quality time with friends. Come for an appointment – stay for community!
July 6 – 9
8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Pembina Place, 4944 53 St
Redwater
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Note: Appointment spaces are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to individuals experiencing distressing symptoms and dental emergencies.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at
Dental@Metis.org or 780-455-2200 ext. 244.
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Join Us: Oskaya Ayamichikewak Young Readers Info Session
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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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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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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The Perfect Family Escape Is Waiting On The Land
Looking for a summer getaway the whole family will remember? Our Sky Watching Cabins sleep up to six guests and come complete with a king bedroom, bunk beds, heated floors, a kitchenette, and a private patio — all framed by the dark skies and deep roots of Métis culture.
Located just 90 minutes from Edmonton, it's the kind of trip that stays with you long after you've headed home.
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What's It Actually Like To Sleep Under The Stars?
Curious about our Sky Watching Domes but not sure what to expect? We've got you covered. Our blog walks you through everything — from the drive-in and what's inside, to what the Milky Way looks like through curved transparent walls at 10 p.m.
Spoiler: it's nothing like waking up at home.
Whether you're planning a solo escape or a couples' getaway, this one's worth a read.
| | Picture of Citizens' Council taken June 12, 2025 | | Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative | |
The Kitchen Party Tour: District 14, 15 & 2 | |
Peace River, Fort Vermillion And Medicine Hat –
We’re Coming To You!
Bring your family and friends 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 can’t wait to see you!
| | District 17: Fort McMurray Métis Fest | | |
If you’ve been looking for a reason to visit Fort McMurray Métis District 17, this is it.
Saturday, June 27 &
Sunday, June 28
MacDonald Island, Fort McMurray
Future home of the McMurray Métis Cultural Centre
Free. Family-friendly. Full of authentic Métis culture, music, dancing, shopping & unforgettable moments!
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District 17: Annual District Gathering | | |
McMurray Métis held their Annual District Gathering and proudly presented their 2025-2026 Annual Report.
Reports were given by District Captain Kelly Myers, Otipemisiwak Métis Government District 17 Citizens Representative Brooke Bramfield, Executive Director Don Scott, and Infinity Métis Corporation President and CEO, Shawn Myers, who reflected on the power in partnership and provided an update on the McMurray Métis Cultural Centre.
Copies of the Annual Report are available to view on their website via the link below.
| | District 17: Métis Fest 50/50 | | |
Win big while supporting a great cause! Anyone in Alberta aged 18+ can purchase Métis Fest 50/50 tickets online today to support the McMurray Métis Bursary Program.
Every ticket helps provide educational opportunities for Métis students while giving you a chance to take home the jackpot.
Support education. Support students. Support community.
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