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As many of you know, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada won the recent federal election. I wrote to the Prime Minister on behalf of our government to reaffirm our commitment to working together in a respectful, nation-to-nation relationship.
In that letter, we outlined our top priorities for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government: full implementation of our Self-Government Agreement, continued progress toward a modern-day treaty and ensure that the voices and rights of Métis Citizens are respected and upheld.
We know our Citizens hold diverse political views and we respect that. As your President, I must work with all levels of government, across party lines, to advance Métis priorities like self-government, housing, health, and education.
This month, we also mark Red Dress Day and the Moose Hide Campaign, both powerful reminders of our responsibility to end gender-based violence and build safer communities.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our people.
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Spring 2025 District Elections — Become A Candidate
Represent your District in the upcoming Spring 2025 District Elections, June 16–23, 2025!
Candidates must be Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens aged 18+, reside in the District where they are running, and passionate about their Métis community.
Nomination papers must be received at the Chief Electoral Office by May 7 at 5 p.m.
The following positions are available:
Foothills Métis District
Minimum 2, Maximum 6 District Councillors
Medicine Hat Métis District
1 District Captain
Minimum 2, Maximum 9 District Councillors
Fort Edmonton Métis District
Minimum 2, Maximum 6 District Councillors
Jasper House Métis District
1 Youth District Councillor (aged 18–25)
1 District Councillor (Edson)
1 District Councillor (Hinton)
1 District Councillor (Jasper - Grande Cache)
St. Albert Métis District
1 District Captain
2 District Councillors (St. Albert)
2 District Councillors (Sherwood Park)
1 District Councillor (Fort Saskatchewan)
1 District Councillor (Sturgeon County)
1 District Councillor (Leduc)
1 District Councillor (Camrose)
Lac La Biche Métis District
1 Youth District Councillor (aged 18–29)
1 Senior District Councillor (aged 65+)
2 District Councillors
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Citizens' Spotlight:
Ross Pambrun
Tune into a new APTN series, Red River Gold, led by Métis musician and Calgary-based tech entrepreneur Ross “Memphis” Pambrun, in search of $2 million in lost British gold coins that are said to have vanished in 1870, en route to fund a military confrontation against Louis Riel and the Métis Resistance.
The team uses historical records, radar, and metal detectors to comb the old Dawson Trail in Manitoba. Along the way, they meet with local elders and historians, uncovering both artifacts and untold stories of Métis history.
The 13-part English-language doc series will debut on APTN on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. MST, with a Michif-language version to premiere in Fall 2025.
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Support Métis Artists At Our Spring Métis Market Today!
Check out an array of Métis-made artisanal products at the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Spring Métis Market today, May 3, 2025 at Kingsway Mall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The market will be taking place in the HyperPOP space at Kingsway Mall in Edmonton, located on the upper level near Marshalls.
We hope to see you there!
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Join Us For Red Dress Day: Honouring MMIW2S
Let's come together to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW2S) on Red Dress Day. Join us for a walk to raise awareness and pay tribute to those we have lost.
Event Highlights:
- Walk: Gather at the Provincial Head Office building in Edmonton to pick up handheld signs and walk to the Youth Building.
- Refreshments: Enjoy bannock, tea, water, and coffee at the Youth Building.
- Speakers: Hear from President Sandmaier, Secretary Grauman, Sharon Bourque, and more.
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Experience a Métis cultural gathering and a banquet on Friday evening. Registration includes free food as well as free hotels for non-local participants.
Entry in the games is open exclusively to Otipemisiwak Métis Citizens, and spots are limited. Each youth may register for only one sport.
Don’t miss out!
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Patricipate In The 26th Annual Golf Tournament!
Register your team or become a sponsor to support the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Benevolent Fund, helping our grieving Citizens during their time of loss.
June 19, 2025
Cattails Crossing
24427 Township Rd 542
Sign up a team of four, become a sponsor, or learn more by contacting
Taylor Masters-Hall: 780-455-2200/ tmasters@metis.org
Let's come together for a great cause and to enjoy a fantastic golf day!
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Métis Cup Registration Is Now Open!
Sign up for the 3rd Annual Métis Cup at metiscup.ca.
Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government aged 7 to 15 can participate in this co-ed, 3-on-3 hockey tournament 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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Access Your Profile Quickly And Easily
Confirm your contact information with our Contact Information Portal to ensure you are eligible to vote in District Elections!
Please note, you must be a resident of your Métis District for 90 days to be eligible to vote in District elections. The District where you are eligible to vote in is based on your physical address, not mailing address.
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We Want To Hear From 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.
Stay tuned for upcoming summer dates near you!
May dates and times can be found at the links below.
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Learn Vital Recovery Methods For Endangered Bat Species In Alberta
The Bats of Alberta Training and Supporting (BATS) program offers valuable tools and educational materials about the Silver-Haired Bat, Eastern Red Bat, and the Hoary Bat, along with key restoration strategies that can help revitalize these species.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Consultation Department is hosting an engagement session to provide Citizens with information about three bat species in our province that are classified as endangered.
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Register today for the BATS program’s upcoming virtual educational session:
May 14, 2025
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Virtual Educational Session
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Calling All Métis Men!
Our Justice Department invites you to join us for Mamawi Pimohtetan, or Walking Together, a weekly men’s group dedicated to creating a safe space for Métis men to engage in culturally relevant gathering sessions, such as sharing and healing circles.
For 14 weeks, starting May 13, all Métis men (Citizen or self-identified) 18+ are invited to join us on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Youth Building in Edmonton to learn about boundaries, coping strategies, and healthy relationships while engaging in Métis ways of knowing and learning Red River Teachings. This is a valuable opportunity for our men to gather and grow together!
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Mamawi Pimohtetan, Walking Together
Are you a Métis man interested in exploring four directions, Niikinaahk teachings, Métis wisdom, and universal knowledge? Mamawi Pimohtetan, or Walking Together, is a weekly men’s group dedicated to creating a safe space for Métis men to engage in culturally relevant gathering sessions, such as sharing and healing circles.
For 12 weeks, starting May 17, all Métis men (Citizen or self-identified) aged 18 and over are invited to join us on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Youth Building in Edmonton. Engage in cultural teachings alongside other Métis men! Coffee, tea, and snack will be provided.
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Applications Are Now Open!
The Children & Family Services Team is proud to present the Day Home Startup Pilot Program!
Through this program, we will connect with Métis Citizens interested in opening and operating licensed day homes in their communities.
Support them in navigating the day home licensing process, provide financial assistance with startup costs, and provide guidance in Métis cultural readiness through Métis Cultural Awareness training and resources.
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Ignite Your Child’s Imagination?
Early learning and literacy build the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.
To support literacy amongst our young ones, we have partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to send young Métis readers a FREE BOOK every month!
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Empowering Métis Youth For A Healthy, Connected Future!
Rooted in Métis culture, the FASD Bridging Futures Program supports Métis youth aged 15–25 with FASD on their journey to adulthood. Through a collaborative approach, we provide resources, transition support, and connection to Métis culture.
Self-referrals are welcome!
| | Eligibility: Métis youth in Alberta, with or without a diagnosis, willing to actively participate (caregiver consent may be required). | | | | |
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Explore Our Conservation Land Access Dashboard
Are you searching for new places to connect with nature or engage in land-use activities? Consider utilizing our Conservation Land Access Dashboard (CLAD)!
This online tool assists users in identifying conservation sites that permit activities such as camping, traditional plant gathering, hunting, and more.
Discover over 1,000 conservation sites across the Districts at albertametis.com/CLAD and plan your next adventure today!
| | Note: CLAD offers summaries for each site and is not the primary source of information. Please verify acceptable activities with the managing organizations for the sites you wish to visit before your trip. | | | |
Register For A Community Plant Walk Today!
Don’t miss your chance to go on a Community Plant Walk with Métis cultural educator Natalie Pepin! Learn about local plants’ cultural significance and contemporary and traditional uses.
Questions? Please contact Environment@metis.org
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Walk Alongside Our Feathered Friends!
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Environment and Climate Change Department is pleased to announce another round of Community Bird Walks.
Embark on a beginner-friendly walk with Ariane Inman from Bird Dreams and learn how to listen for and spot birds. Over the course of three hours, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of birds, their ecological significance, and the lessons we can learn from them.
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Emergency Readiness Tip: Prepare For Crises Before They Hit
Get emergency-ready today! The best way to get through a crisis safely is to prepare ahead of time.
Our Emergency Preparedness Reference Guide is a great place to start. It contains information on creating an emergency kit, preparing your family, navigating evacuations and extreme weather events, and more.
Want to start small? Take the following actions to improve your emergency preparedness:
For more information, contact wildfires@metis.org or visit our Emergency Preparedness Information page.
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | | |
Share Your Insights On Métis Cultural Safety In Healthcare
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government and the University of Calgary invite Métis Albertans aged 18+ to participate in community gatherings focused on exploring cultural safety in healthcare. Your input is valuable to us.
Participants will receive a $100 honorarium for their time, along with mileage reimbursement and accommodations for those travelling more than 50 km from their home residence.
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May Is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month — Get Screened Today!
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.
To see if you are eligible for self-screening, visit Cervix Self-Screening Pilot Project or call AHS Screening Programs at 1-866-727-3926, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
| | You can also email us at health@metis.org for information on how to order a self-screening kit online. | | | |
Make A Change In Your Nicotine Use!
Join us on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 7–8:30 p.m. for a Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Program Info Session. This session will walk you through the steps required to enroll in the NRT Program.
Get your nicotine-related questions answered by our Community Prevention Practitioner, Kyla, who will help you begin your journey toward change on the right foot.
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Are You Navigating Cancer? You Are Not Alone.
Wellspring Alberta’s Indigenous Cancer Sharing Circle provides a safe and welcoming space for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults living in Alberta. Whether you have been impacted by cancer yourself or through supporting a loved one, this monthly virtual gathering is co-led by an Elder or Knowledge Keeper and a Wellspring program leader, and ensures no one has to face cancer alone.
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First Monday of every month
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. MST.
Virtual and open to all Indigenous peoples
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Celebrate National Indigenous Nurses Day!
We’re honouring the incredible contributions of Métis healthcare workers with a Beaded Badge Reel Workshop during National Nursing Week.
Open to ALL Métis Citizen healthcare workers!
Learn to bead around a cabochon, attach backing, and edge your design, walk away with a custom badge reel you can rock at work!
Registration opens May 2 at 12 p.m.
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Learn To Cook With Friends
Learn an easy, affordable, and delicious meal at our next cooking class, where we’re cooking up poutine and Nanaimo bars!
Participants will receive an accessible, hands-on tutorial from Métis youth chef Molly Wagar, with board games and a meal together to follow! All are welcome, regardless of experience!
Registration opens May 13 at 12 p.m!
Métis Youth Citizens aged 12–29 are welcome to register online!
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May 31, 2025
10 a.m – 12 p.m
Youth Building
11821 123 Street NW, Edmonton
Questions? Contact Bailey at blohmann@metis.org
About the Facilitator:
Hi, my name is Molly Delia Wagar, and I am seventeen years old. My family, the Campbell's originates from the Saskatchewan Red River Settlement. I am the owner and founder of "Sweet Bakes," a home-based baking business that makes a wide variety of custom-baked goods that are 100% homemade with real high quality ingredients. I have been teaching cooking/baking classes at the Youth Building since last year!
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Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative | | | | |
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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Calling All 2025 Métis Grads!
Are you graduating from high school, university, college, or a trades program this year?
We want to celebrate YOU! Submit your photo and details to be featured in our grad shout-outs and receive a special Métis grad gift.
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Let’s honour the strength and pride of our Métis Class of 2025!
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Dental Office Assistant Training Opportunity!
Looking for a new career? Live in the Central Region*? Apply today for our Dental Office Assistant program with NorQuest College Continuing Education
You'll get 16 weeks of training (12 online, 4 practicum) and become immersed in courses about dental terminology, communications, and administrative procedures.
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For best success in this training, it is required for applicants to:
- Be able to type at least 40 words per minute
- Have a reliable high speed internet connection
- Have experience and comfort in using Microsoft Office
- Be able to commute to their practicum location
Apply now for this exciting opportunity!
*Our Central region includes, but is not limited to, areas encompassing the Edmonton, Edson, Drayton Valley, Lac St. Anne, Vegreville, Barrhead areas, or any other community whose nearest Rupertsland Institute METI-Services office is in Edmonton.
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ExamBank Access
K-12 Métis Citizens can access Alberta Exambank through RLI’s RECC Room to test their understanding through online practice anytime throughout the year.
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Little Friends Early Learning Funding
Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government can now apply for funding support with their preschool and kindergarten fees!
Up to $100/month per successful applicant available.
Requirements:
- Preschool and kindergarten registered learners
- Caregiver or learner’s Otipemisiwak Métis Citizenship number
| | For more information, please sign up or log-in to the RECC Room. | | Early Learning Education Childcare Training (ELECT) | | |
The program teaches participants authentic Métis ways of being and helps early learning educators to weave authentic Métis education into their early learning spaces.
Early learning educators, administrators and/or those in key positions are invited to apply for the 2025–2026 program.
- Métis culture, history, Michif, Land-Based Learning and more
- Online and In-Person for No-Cost
- Certificate of Completion
- For inquiries, please email earlylearning@rupertsland.org.
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