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Over the past two weeks, I’ve been in Ottawa meeting with politicians and senior officials to make sure the new government knows who we are and what matters to Métis Citizens.
From the Speech from the Throne to conversations with key decision-makers, our message was clear: we’re focused on delivering for our people. That means advancing our Self-Government Agreement, securing funding, and making sure Métis voices are heard in every policy discussion.
But as important as that work is, I’m even more excited to be back in community because this is where our strength truly lives.
And what better way to come back together than Alberta Métis Fest? Join us June 13–14 for fiddle music, jigging, family fun, and a celebration of everything it means to be Métis. I can’t wait to see you there.
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Elections Update
Due to the Canada Post labour issues and disruptions to mail service, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government District Elections on June 16–23, 2025 will not proceed with mail-in voting.
Electronic and in-person voting will be available during the election period.
Should you require voting assistance, please contact the Chief Electoral Office at 1-877-576-4250 or email elections@metis.org
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.
Medicine Hat (Medicine Hat Métis District)
Hinton Sub-District (Jasper House Métis District)
Fort Saskatchewan Sub-District (St. Albert Métis District)
St. Albert Sub-District (St. Albert Métis District)
Notice Of Candidates
Find out who is running for District Council!
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Citizens' Spotlight:
Esquao Awards
Congratulations to the 2025 Esquao Awards recipients! These amazing Indigenous women have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields and positive impacts in their communities!
Read more about these inspiring individuals and come celebrate them on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 12 p.m.–4 p.m. at the River Cree Resort and Casino.
| | | | It’s National Indigenous History Month! | | Follow us throughout the month on our socials as we explore our history from past to present and take a look at what the future looks like. | | | |
Alberta Métis Fest is Back!
Join us at Métis Crossing on June 13–14, 2025, for an unforgettable weekend of music, dance, and culture!
Alberta Music Showcase featuring:
Amy Moore, Brettyn Rose, Kaeley Jade, Wyatt Schiefelbein, Cassandra Vreeling, Priscilla Morin, Lillian Parenteau, Garry McLean, Darla Daniels, Jacquie Daniels, Nisto, Kinley Paul, and Donny L’Hirondelle!
Homeland Hour with special guest Donny Parenteau!
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Enjoy Bingo, our famous Jigging Competition, Homeland Hour musical performances, a vibrant Métis Vendor Market, Cultural Activities, Food Trucks, and so much more!
Plus, we're thrilled to introduce a brand-new addition this year—our Square Dance Showcase! Featuring United Thunder Dancers, Northern Prairie Dancers, the Kikino Northern Lites, and featuring Jason Lepine!
We can't wait to see you there!
For more info, visit our website or email abmetisfest@metis.org
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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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Sign Up For The 3rd Annual Métis Cup
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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Update 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!
Dates and times can be found at the links below.
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The Importance of Centering Métis Voices in Early Childhood Spaces
Tuesday
July 15, 2025
6 p.m.–7 p.m.
Zoom
Log in to our next webinar to hear guest speaker Molly Young talk about fostering environments that support the growth and development of young children. Molly previously operated her own Early Learning Centre in Nova Scotia, and as the Associate Director of Child Care with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, she is committed to creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of families and communities.
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Calling All Métis Artists
Children and Family Services is looking to purchase beaded artwork (tuppies, octopus bags, etc.) from talented Métis Citizens.
We’ll be showcasing it at our Métis Cultural Awareness training sessions across the province. If you create these stunning pieces or know someone who does, please reach out!
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Day Home Startup Pilot Program — Apply Today
The Children and 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.
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Our goal is to grow Métis-run day homes across Alberta, strengthening community connections and preserving culture for future generations!
Applications are now open!
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Did You Know?
To access many of our Early Years programs, children must be registered Métis Citizens.
Don’t miss out on the amazing supports and opportunities available through Early Years!
Reach out to our Registry Department to get started:
Email: registry@metis.org
Phone: 780-455-2200
Toll Free: 1-877-454-0684
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Find Camping, Fishing, Hunting Sites And More!
Planning your next summer getaway? Our Conservation Land Access Dashboard (CLAD) has over 1,000 conservation sites to choose from!
Note: CLAD summarizes each site and is not the primary source of information. Please confirm acceptable activities with the sites’ managing organizations ahead of time.
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Fish Monitoring Program
Out fishing? Tell us about it! Fill out any — or all! of our fishing forms between June 1 and August 31 and be entered to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card.
To access our community monitor program and fishing forms, visit albertametis.com/fish-health.
Want to know what we’ve learned from your submissions? Check out our new Fish Community Monitoring StoryMap at albertametis.com/fish-community-monitoring.
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Complete The Species At Risk Survey Today!
Couldn’t attend a Species at Risk engagement session? It’s not too late to make your voice heard!
Share your concerns about the species that are important to you by completing the Species at Risk survey. By participating, you will contribute a vital Métis perspective to ECC’s conservation efforts. Plus, 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.
The anonymous survey takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. All Citizens are welcome to participate.
For more information, contact environment@metis.org.
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Emergency Readiness Tip: Return Home Safely
Before returning home, wait for an announcement confirming that it’s safe to do so.
Additionally, be aware of the following re-entry resources:
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | | |
Are You Navigating Cancer? You Are Not Alone.
Navigating cancer can be challenging, but support is available. 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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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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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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Share Your Métis Ways
Whether you are cooking modern recipes with traditional ingredients, incorporating Michif into your everyday language, or harvesting traditional plants —we want to hear from YOU!
Share how you honour Métis knowledge in today’s world as part of our Modern Days, Métis Ways Shout-Out for National Indigenous History Month! We’re looking for submissions from Métis youth aged 12–29!
The deadline to submit is June 14!
| | Use the form to submit a story, photo, video, or project that shows how you’re blending the old with the new and get featured on our socials in honour of National Indigenous History Month! | | | |
Share, Support & Learn — In Person Or Online!
Come listen, learn, eat, and share in our first wildfire presentation and discussion event, hosted both online and in person at our Edmonton Youth Building.
Climate justice worker and environmental writer Britney Supernault, known online as @Cree Nomad, will share their experience helping their family deal with losing their homes in a wildfire and discuss the impact that larger environmental trends can have on the everyday lives of Métis people.
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Everyone is welcome, whether you've personally been impacted by wildfires, or you just want to learn more about the ways people can deal with them.
June 6, 2025
6 p.m – 8 p.m
Youth Building & Online
11821 123 Street NW, Edmonton
About the Speaker:
The Cree Nomad is an Author, Activist, and Bannock-Shaker (a.k.a social media personality) based in Edmonton, AB, who recently released their Amazon Best-selling debut novel Hey, June. When not writing stellar novels, Cree Nomad is working in Climate Change Activism with various organizations, listening to early 2000s bangers, and sharing their life on social media platforms.
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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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RLI & The Alberta College Of Body Art Have Drawn Up A New Project!
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.
What will you study:
- Tattoo Linework
- Tattoo Theory and Safety
- Shading Your Work
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Applications are open until June 10.
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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Are You Interested In Healthcare? Are You In Or Entering Grade 9–12?
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is offering Healthcare Career Exploration Camps. A series of engaging and hands-on events designed to inspire exploration of meaningful futures in healthcare.
This incredible opportunity is available for Indigenous youth entering or in grades 9–12.
The camps offer students a unique opportunity to explore various healthcare careers through interactive activities, mentorship, and onsite experiences.
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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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Save The Date: Our Home Programs Open On June 2
Is your house in need of essential repairs or ready for energy efficiency retrofits? Apply for Métis Capital Housing Corporation’s Energy Efficiency Retrofits Program or the Home Repair Assistance Program on June 2!
For more information, please visit the Energy Efficiency Retrofits Program or Home Repair Assistance Program webpage.
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