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October 4 is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit individuals. On this solemn occasion, we pay tribute to those who were taken from their communities far too soon. It is a reminder of the work that must continue to create a future where Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals are provided the justice they deserve and do not have to live in fear of gender-based violence.
On another note, we talk a lot about the importance of provincial and federal relationship building in our path toward self-government, but it is important to not forget about the municipalities that are foundational to meeting some of the basic needs in Alberta’s towns and cities.
Last month, I was proud to attend and speak at the Alberta Municipalities’ annual convention and tradeshow on behalf of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, and you, our Citizens.
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This Fall, the Métis Nation of Alberta will be holding District Captain and District Council elections for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, October 29 – November 5, 2024.
Find out which Candidates will be running for office.
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Métis Early Learner Accessibility Grant
Seeking to provide the necessary supports for your Métis early learner to flourish?
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government Children and Family Services Department is thrilled to announce the launch of the Flourishing Futures Accessibility Grant Pilot Program!
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This program offers financial support to cover the cost of eligible referred services and supports that will empower eligible Métis early learners to overcome obstacles and excel in their learning journey! | | |
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Community Information Sessions: Harvesting
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government Harvesting Manager, Craig Letendre, shares how we can include the whole family in traditional Métis Harvesting and gathering practices.
Tuesday, October 8
6 – 7 p.m.
Zoom
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Big Lake and Sturgeon River Survey
Have you visited Big Lake and/or Sturgeon River? Share your thoughts and experiences with us via the Big Lake and Sturgeon River Survey! Citizens who complete the survey are entered to win one of ten $100 gift cards!
Stay informed by providing our Consultation Team with your contact information.
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Promoting and Increasing Cultural Safety
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Consultation Department wants to hear from our women, youth (ages 16 to 29 years old), and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Citizens!
We want to better understand how we can help these groups connect with their Métis community and culture.
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Attend one of our monthly engagements and share your thoughts with us as we travel throughout the province. Participants are eligible for an honorarium. Register today - spots are limited!
Peace River
Women: Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Youth: Saturday, October 19, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
2SLBTGQQIA+: Saturday, October 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Fort McMurray
Women: Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Youth: Saturday, October 26, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
2SLGBTQQIA+: Sunday, October 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Enbridge Supply Chain Information Session
As part of Enbridge’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plans, the energy company is holding a virtual information session for businesses on how to become an Enbridge supplier and engage with their supply chain, October 22 from 10 – 11 a.m. MST. The session is geared for businesses that are not already working with Enbridge.
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Bring ABHuntLog With You
Bring ABHuntLog with you the next time you go hunting or scouting! It’s the perfect tool for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to track trips and share observations.
ABHuntLog is your opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts and advocate for Métis harvesting rights by logging your harvesting and wildlife observations.
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Have you already gone berry picking this year?
Whether you were successful in harvesting berries, or you weren’t, we want to hear about it!
Fill out our Berry Harvesting Trip form to help us learn how the plants we value are impacted by human activities, weather patterns, and climate change.
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To show our appreciation, all Otipemisiwak Métis Citizens who submit forms by November 30 will be entered into a draw for a $250 Cabela’s gift card.
Draws will be held and all prizes will be distributed in December 2024.
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Sustainability Tip Of The Day
Halloween is fun but it can be a big source of waste. Here are ways to make your celebration more sustainable:
- Get creative and DIY your costume. Make your costume from items you have at home. Here are some ideas!
- Check out thrift shops or costume exchanges for unique, pre-loved costumes
- Avoid single-use plastics that are a staple of many brand-new costumes. Find natural or recycled items for your costume.
- The most eco-friendly option is to try and avoid buying new items, which minimizes waste and reduces the demand for new products, conserving resources and energy used in production.
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Pathway To Healthy Living | | |
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Ready To Make A Change In Your Nicotine Use?
Join us October 18 to 20 at Métis Crossing to start your journey with the QuitCore Land-based program.
If you are an 18+ Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government who wants to reduce and/or quit your tobacco use (vaping excluded), learn more here.
Register before October 14.
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Activities include:
- Bonfire every night
- Plant walk
- Garden tour
- Medicine pouch-making
- Archery (hitting the target)
Registrants must arrive by 5 p.m. on Friday when programming begins.
Mileage is available.
This program contains many physical aspects and outdoor activities.
Participants are advised to bring proper footwear and to dress appropriately for the weather.
*This program is in partnership with Alberta Health Services
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Join Our FREE Virtual QuitCore Day Sessions
Take a QuitCore break from October 16 to November 27. This special daytime edition of the in demand program will run on Zoom, Wednesdays, from noon to 1 p.m.
If you are an 18+ Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government who wants to reduce and/or quit your tobacco use, register today by emailing khachey@metis.org.
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Registration Deadline: October 15
Upon completion, participants will receive a “QuitKit” and become eligible for a $500 Alberta Blue Cross Benefit Card for Nicotine Replacement Therapies. Participants will also have access to one-on-one support from our Community Prevention Practitioner and have a chance to win a prize every session.
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QuitCore in the Evenings
Make a change in your nicotine use. Join our FREE Virtual QuitCore program and start your journey!
In partnership with Alberta Health Services, we offer group intervention support so you can reach your nicotine-related goals.
This 6-week program is available to Métis Nation within Alberta Citizens aged 18 and older seeking to reduce and/or quit their nicotine use.
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Citizens who complete the program will:
- Receive a “QuitKit”
- Become eligible for a $500 Alberta Blue Cross
- Benefit Card for Nicotine Replacement Therapies.
Evening sessions run 6 – 8 p.m. on Zoom starting October 16. Register by October 15 by emailing KHachey@metis.org. Please include your Métis Citizenship ID number.
Participants will also have access to one-on-one support from our Community Prevention Practitioner and have a chance to win a prize every session.
Learn more about our tobacco reduction programs at: albertametis.com/tobacco-reduction-program/
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Don’t Wait — Get Screened Today
A Pap test can help identify abnormal cells early, making cancer more treatable and improving health outcomes. Women between the ages of 25 and 69 are advised to have a Pap test every three years.
Depending on your personal or family cancer history, you may need to begin cancer screening earlier than the recommended age guidelines. Talk to your family doctor about cancer screening to determine what is right for you.
For more resources, go to: albertametis.com/cancer-resources-and-supports
Needing additional support?
Check out these resources available for travel assistance, or booking appointments if you do not have a family doctor:
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Indigenous and Tribal Peoples and Cancer
Although cancer survival has improved in developed countries, Indigenous and Tribal peoples continue to have poorer cancer outcomes than non-Indigenous people.
“Indigenous and Tribal Peoples and Cancer” is the first book to weave current global data about Indigenous and Tribal peoples' experiences of cancer with their own voices, while bringing forward future policy directions, successful public health interventions, and best-practice approaches.
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Check out our ongoing youth programming this fall!
Looking for more Métis youth programming?
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Central Youth Night
Join us every Wednesday from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Youth building 11821 123 Street NW, Edmonton AB. Drop-in! Métis youth aged 12 – 29 from any district are welcome to attend with their friends and family! New activities every week!
Questions? Email Bailey at blohmann@metis.org
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Biweekly Beading Circle
BI-WEEKLY on Tuesdays from 6–8 p.m.! Join us online or in person at Youth Building, 1821 123 Street NW Edmonton, AB. Métis youth aged 12 – 29 from any district are welcome to register online! Beginners welcome! All beading materials and supplies are provided.
Questions? Email us at youth@metis.org
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Registration is OPEN!
Join us for our 2nd Annual MIYOOAYAAN Wellness Summit in Grande Prairie, Alberta!
This is a FREE event for Youth Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government aged 12 – 29! Explore the 8 Pillars of Wellness and discover how to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially with inspiring keynotes and panellists. Participate in cultural workshops and connect with other Métis youth from across the province!
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Are you a Métis Artisan?
Join us at our Artisan Market for our 2nd Annual MIYOOAYAAN Wellness Summit in Grande Prairie, Alberta!
Requirements:
- Must be Métis
- Must reside in Alberta
- Must include Métis citizenship card, short bio (1–2 sentences), and pictures of your work in your application
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Find your Citizens’ Council Representative or District Captain! | |
Register With The
Otipemisiwak Métis Government
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Update your profile!
Thank you to everyone who has recently updated their information! We encourage all Citizens to ensure your contact details are accurate so you can vote in your districts.
If you haven’t updated your profile yet, please take a minute to do so! Every voice counts, and we want to ensure you’re heard!
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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:
October 5 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
October 9 from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
October 19 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
October 24 from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
We're also coming to these locations:
October 8 in Calgary Creek from 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre in the WPR Room.
October 9 in Airdrie from 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m at Genesis Place in Rotary Room A.
October 10 in Drayton Valley from 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in the River Room.
October 16 in Pincher Creek from 3:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m.at Ramada by Wyndham in the Meeting Room.
October 17 in Sherwood Park from 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Millenium Place in Meeting Room 2.
October 17 in Medicine Hat from 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.at the Medicine Hat Public Library in the Legion Room.
We’ll have a Commissioner of Oaths on-site, and you can also get your photos taken here. Additionally, we’re accepting harvesting applications!
Find application forms at albertametis.com/registry/ along with a full list of citizenship benefits!
We look forward to welcoming you!
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Visit Our Socials, Stay Up-To-Date! | | | | |
