Since the election of the first Otipemisiwak Métis Government eight months ago, significant strides have been made on our journey toward self-determination. Tune in to President Sandmaier's video for the latest updates on Bill C-53 and the ongoing Métis Nation within Alberta Self-Government Treaty negotiations. | | | |
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25th Annual Audrey Poitras Golf Tournament
The 25th Annual Audrey Poitras Golf Tournament is returning June 14 to the Legends Golf and Country Club.
Register a team or become a sponsor! Proceeds will go towards the Métis Nation of Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Benevolent Fund to support our grieving Citizens through their time of loss.
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Spring Métis Market
Bring your shopping bag and check out the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Spring Métis Market on May 11 at Kingsway Mall.
Head down for a showcase of Métis artistic expression and excellence. Featuring over 20 Métis artists and artisans including artisanal-crafted beadwork, moccasins, skincare products, jewellery, and more! Support our talented Métis artisans while enjoying a day out.
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Victims and Survivors of Crime Week
The victims and survivors of crime must never be forgotten. Join us in Edmonton on May 16 during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week for “The Power of Collaboration: Mamawi Petohtewak (Cree for Coming Together).”
Let’s come together for a time of strength, information sharing, and unity while we hear empowering stories from an incredible line-up of guest speakers.
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- Keynote Speaker: Nicole Gladue-Weesemat will share her story of when her mother went missing and was found murdered.
- Guest Speaker: Dan Cardinal will present on the importance of culture in matters of crime.
- Panel Discussion: Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, RCMP, and NGO (CEASE) will answer questions and provide further information
Lunch will be provided and ribbon skirts are welcome!
Thursday, May 16
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pioneers Cabin, 9430 Scona Rd, Edmonton
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Become A Judicial Tribunal Member
If you are looking for a unique, and impactful way to serve your Nation? Apply to join the Judicial Tribunal.
Openings in:
- Lesser Slave Lake Territory
- Lower Athabasca River Territory
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Help us Name our Métis-led Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA)!
Our Métis-led IPCA contains important habitat including over 37 acres of native grassland and 28 acres of wetland.
Much of the native grassland and wetland habitats in this region of Alberta have been lost to industrial and agricultural activities over the last century.
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These habitats are also home to a variety of species, including several species at risk designated by the provincial and federal governments such as the barn swallow. It’s important for us to protect these species to ensure they will remain for future generations.
Fill out the survey below with your name suggestion and tell us what type of activities and programs you would like to see take place here. Must be a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government aged 18+ to participate.
You will be entered to win 1 of 10 $100 prepaid Visa gift cards.
Survey closes 11:59 PM MST on May 21.
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Take Our Parks Canada Survey | | |
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Share your Métis perspective on National Parks and National Historic Sites in Alberta by filling out our survey!
The survey results will help us provide feedback to Parks Canada to better meet our Citizens’ ecological and cultural priorities regarding National Parks and National Historic Sites in Alberta.
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Complete the survey to be entered into the draw for one of ten $100 prepaid Visa gift cards and one grand prize of a $250 Mountain Equipment Company gift card.
Must be a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government aged 18 or older to participate. Survey closes on May 22 at 11:59 p.m. MST.
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Come Take a Walk With Us!
Our Environment and Climate Change Department is pleased to offer our Traditional Plant Walks again.
Embark on a guided walk with Métis cultural educator Natalie Pepin and learn about traditionally utilized plants.
Gain a deeper understanding of the plants around us, their cultural significance, and how they can help us.
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Sign-up opens one week before each event date. Check your calendar to see if you can attend!
Visit our website for dates and locations!
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Note for Attendees: The event consists of sitting and walking, please bring a portable chair/lawn chair and a reusable water bottle or mug.
Extra water will be available.
The event is family-friendly, three hours long and includes a lot of listening; please consider if this event is a fit for your family to attend.
Have questions? email: Environment@metis.org
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Come for a Walk With our Feathered Friends!
Our Environment and Climate Change Department is pleased to offer Community Bird Walks!
Embark on a beginner-friendly walk to listen and look for birds. Come learn from the birds around us.
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About The Event:
Over the course of a three hour walk, listen as a local guide shares stories and discusses the ecological significance of the birds around us.
Visit: albertametis.com/bird-walks
Questions? Please contact Jac Curry, Environment Coordinator at: Environment@metis.org
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*Peace River location is Queen Elizabeth Park | | |
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Alberta Sports Fishing Regulation Changes Survey
Métis perspectives are crucial to preserving and protecting the health of Alberta lakes and fish populations.
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Recently, Alberta Forestry and Parks notified the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of proposed changes to sport fishing regulations in the province, including increasing the maximum allowed number of fish harvested from 65 waterbodies.
Your voice must be heard. Fill out the survey today to ensure we represent the community’s comments, questions, and concerns at the table with the Alberta government.
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Sustainability Tip Of The Week
Do you have old tires, electronics, paint, oil, or household hazardous waste to dispose of? You can recycle all those items!
Check out the Depot Finder tool from Alberta Recycling Management authority to find a drop off location near you!
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Pathway To Healthy Living | | |
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Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Program
Are you looking to make a change in your nicotine use but aren’t sure where to go for support? We might be able to help you.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is hosting a virtual info session on our Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Program.
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This session will walk you through the steps required to enroll in the NRT Program.
Our Community Prevention Practitioner, Kyla, will be available to answer your nicotine-related questions and will help you start your journey of change on the right foot.
Attendees who complete the info session and two additional meetings with our Community Prevention Practitioner will be eligible to enroll in the NRT Program and receive a $500 Alberta Blue Cross Benefits Card for Nicotine Replacement Therapies and Cessation Medications.
For more information, contact Kyla at KHachey@metis.org
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Lii Zaanfaan Métis Gatherings
Are you a caregiver (parent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, grandparent, etc.) of a Métis child aged 10 or younger? If so, this is your opportunity to share your experience!
Come to our Lii Zaanfaan Gatherings and share your knowledge and experience to help us improve the overall health and well-being of Métis children in Alberta.
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Participating families will receive a $100 honorarium, mileage compensation, and a one-night accommodation for those traveling over 50 km. Children can be Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens or self-identify as Métis. | |
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For more information on the project, contact Mariam Ahmad, Research and Project Coordinator, by phone at 587-415-1056 or email mahmad@metis.org. To learn more about our Lii Zaanfaan study, go to albertametis.com/LZ-study
This study has been reviewed for ethical compliance by the Queen’s University General Research Ethics Board. If you have any ethics concerns, please contact the General Research Ethics Board at 1-844-535-2988 or email chair.GREB@queensu.ca.
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Connections in Recovery
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.
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In-person gatherings will begin on March 12 with the added option to participate online via Zoom. Sharing circles featuring a special guest will occur on the first and third Tuesday of every month.
No registration is required. Come down to the Youth Building (11821 – 123 Street), or join us online.
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We are here, and we are listening. For more information about this program or if you need additional support, please contact health@metis.org. | | |
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Take A Deep Breathe And Stretch
Centre yourself with breathwork, relaxation, and movement at our Weekly Yoga and Meditation classes, led by Nicole Oort.
Wednesdays
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Online
For more information, contact health@metis.org.
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Reclaiming Our Children: Act C-92 Engagement Sessions | | |
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Navigating FASD Webinar
Join us for a fascinating presentation “Living with FASD – A Whole-Body Disorder”.
May 28
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Online
Guest Presenters: Emily Hargrave, and Myles Himmelreich, CJ Lutke
Discover the complex world of FASD. Learn about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) from people with living experience.
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Meet the inspiring individuals who changed the direction of FASD research with their groundbreaking survey called, “The Lay of the Land.” You will hear firsthand the results of the survey that revealed 428 other health problems that were shown to occur at a much higher rate in people with FASD. | | |
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Community Information Sessions: Métis Culture and Identity, Foundations to Family Wellness.
Embrace Métis culture and wellness with Tania Kruk from Otipemisiwak Métis Government!
Join us for an enlightening session on reclaiming traditions and fostering family wellness. Let's build a resilient Métis Nation together.
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Healing Takes Place Through Connection!
In this virtual group we will celebrate the connections we have with ourselves, our bodies, our land, and our community. Together, we will practice some new coping strategies, celebrate strengths and share!
What to expect: The group will offer some mindfulness meditation, a creative activity, and some light group sharing. You get to decide what feels right for you!
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What you need: a pen or pencil, blank paper or journal, markers and/or pencil crayons if you'd like.
Kiyâm Counselling will be hosting two 1.5 hour virtual mental health workshops. Métis Youth ages 12 – 29 will have the opportunity to practice coping strategies, learn more about themselves and nurture the relationships that they have with their bodies, the land, and their community.
May 12
SESSION 1: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
SESSION 2: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Online
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Calling All Métis Youth Bookworms Across Alberta!
Join us online or in person at the Youth Centre to discuss a book by an Indigenous author. Featuring snacks, guest author appearances, and much more!
The book club will meet on the LAST Tuesday of the month, from 6 – 8 p.m.
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Sign up now to receive a copy of May's book, "Surviving the City," for younger readers, and "Firekeeper's Daughter" for older readers. Sign up today to receive your copy!
May 28
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Online
Youth Building
11821 123 Street NW, Edmonton
Registration closes on May 7!
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Métis Mittens
Gorgeous, durable, and perfect for snowy winter days: these mittens have it all!
Join Métis artist Ella as they teach a crash course in constructing your very own pair of Métis mittens. Food and materials provided!
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Mother's Day Brunch at
Métis Crossing
Join us for a very special Mother’s Day Brunch at Métis Crossing!
Make this day special with our all-inclusive celebration featuring a buffet spread and live entertainment by Mary Stinchcombe.
Sunday, May 12
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Métis Crossing
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Adults $49 (gratuities and GST excluded)
Seniors and Youth $39.20 (gratuities and GST excluded)
Kids 0 – 6 years old are free
Brunch reservations are encouraged.
Please call us at 780-656-2229 or visit metiscrossing.com to make a reservation.
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Join Secretary Lisa San Filippo for a Live Virtual Q&A session.
May 7
1 p.m. or 7 p.m.
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Secretary San Filippo is the Rocky View Métis District Citizens’ Representative and Provincial Secretary of Economic Development and Tourism for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. | | |
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Banff National Park Indigenous Languages Sign
Miyoonakishkatoohk — Welcome
The next time you enter through the Banff Park gates, you might notice a new sign, thanks to the work of the Indigenous Advisory Circle for Banff National Park. The digital sign rotates to read “welcome” in each nation’s language from the local area.
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On April 10, Parks Canada invited the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Chiniki, Bearspaw, Goodstoney and Tsuut’ina First Nations and the Métis residing in the Rocky View Métis District of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government to hold ceremony and celebrate the launch of the new sign. Both tipi’s and a trapper’s tent were raised side by side along the shore of Cascade Pond.
Knowledge Keeper Marie Shoenthal shared with those in attendance how important it was for her to see Michif, her first language, on a sign in a National Park. With the blue and red Métis flags waving and the Red River Cart in the background, jiggers danced to the tunes a young fiddler played in celebration of the new sign that read: “Miyoonakishkatoohk — Otipemisiwak Métis Nation.”
We hope the next time you enter through the Banff gate you take a moment to celebrate seeing our Michif language proudly displayed on this Federal sign.
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From the Desk of Your Leadership
Find out what your elected leaders in Calgary Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Calgary Elbow Métis District 6 have been up to!
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Ladies Gathering
Breaking the Silence!
Join us on May 5 at 10 a.m. at Highfield Regenerative Farm in the Experience Métis Camp as we illuminate the voices that have been quieted for far too long.
The MMIWG movement seeks to shine a light on the shadowed. Feel the power of unity and the strength in advocacy. Your voice can be the beacon for change and hope.
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Did you know? Half of all women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16.
Spousal violence of Indigenous women is three times higher than non-Indigenous women.
Every 2.5 days a woman or girl is murdered in Canada. Alberta has the second highest number of cases in Canada.
Indigenous women are killed at six times the rate of non-Indigenous women.
Over 90 per cent of people trafficked are women. Of those, over 50 per cent are Indigenous women.
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Men’s Gathering
Our first Men’s Gathering was a success and we are looking forward to growing and continuing the importance of having a Men’s Gathering. We hope to see at the next one!
May 9
5:30 p.m.
Local 87
1539 43 St SE, Calgary
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Wisdom of Métis
Yvonne Poitras Pratt and her class will bring us Métis Roots and Relations: Stories of our People. This will be an interactive session that will teach us more about our traditions, stories, and people’s proud history
Let’s celebrate the vibrant legacy of the Métis.
May 7
5:30 p.m.
Local 87
1539 43 St SE, Calgary
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Register With The Otipemisiwak Métis Government | |
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Register your kids of all ages for Métis Citizenship! We have cultural opportunities such as family camps, youth hangouts, and more for Otipemisiwak Métis Citizens!
Bring your Citizenship application(s) and questions to our Registry Team. Input your Citizenship card number into your child's family tree and we will match your information to them.
Come to the provincial office from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, or join us for extended hours:
May 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
May 9 from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
May 23 from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
We're also coming to you at these locations:
May 8 in Calgary from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre
May 14 in Westlock from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Rotary Spirit Centre
May 16 in Blackfalds from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Abbey Centre
May 28 in Manning from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Adult Learning Centre
A Commissioner of Oaths will be on hand and photos can be taken on site. Harvesting applications will be accepted as well.
Have questions? Need help? Head to albertametis.com/registry for all the answers!
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See you at the Métis Market | | | | |
