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As the leaves begin to turn, we are once again gearing up for another busy fall together as a government. It seems that every year, the fall season brings a time when we gather, reflect, and make decisions that shape the future of our Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
This summer, I once again had the privilege of connecting with so many of you at our Citizens’ Gathering, and I want to thank everyone who made the journey to Métis Crossing or followed along online. Your presence, stories, and voices made the Gathering a tremendous success and discussions that came from those days together will guide us through the work ahead.
This fall also brings important days of reflection and commemoration. On September 30, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a reminder of the children who never came home from residential schools, the Survivors who continue to live with those stories, and the families and communities forever changed. While it is the duty of Canada and colonial governments to reconcile for their past injustices and wrongdoings, September 30 is a day for our Nation to hold space, to share our truths, and to ensure our stories are never forgotten.
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Upcoming Office Closure Dates
Please note our upcoming office closures on the dates below.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 30, 2025
Thanksgiving
Oct. 13, 2025
| | | | Notice of Candidates Early Fall | | |
The candidates for the Early Fall Métis District Elections on October 20–27, 2025, have been determined. Find out who is running for District Council!
Several positions were extended until September 17 in Lac Ste. Anne Métis District and Lesser Slave Lake Métis District. Verified candidates will be announced in the coming days.
| | Notice of Vote Late Fall Election | | |
Represent your District in the upcoming 2025 Late Fall Provincial and District Elections, November 16–22, 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 October 2 at 5 p.m.
The following positions are available:
Provincial
Calgary Nose Hill Métis District
Red Deer Métis District
- 1 District Captain
- District Councillors (min. 4 – max. 6)
- Western Sub-District
- Central Sub-District
- Eastern Sub-District
St. Paul – Cold Lake Métis District
- 1 Youth Councillor
- 1 District Councillor (Fishing Lake Metis Settlement/Elizabeth Metis Settlement)
Wabasca – Desmarais Métis District
Have questions about what you need to run? The Chief Electoral Office is here to help! Reach out by phone 1-877-576-4250, email elections@metis.org, or stop by in person 12304 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, T5M 2N4.
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Become A Candidate
Thinking of becoming a candidate for the upcoming Fall elections?
Find out what it takes in Part 2 of our Become a Candidate information series. Read Part 1 in the September 6 edition of the Voyageur Voice.
Engage with Voters
- Use social media, community events, and debates to connect with voters and share your vision
- Use the voter’s list to reach out to Citizens who are eligible to vote for you
Election Day and Beyond
- Get Out the Vote! Mobilize supporters and encourage voter turnout
- Ensure supporters are aware of all the voting methods available
To request a nomination package or for more information about running, connect with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer by phone 1-877-576-4250, email elections@metis.org, or stop by in-person 12304 111 Ave NW, Edmonton.
To learn more about the upcoming elections and the deadline to submit a completed candidate nomination package, visit our website.
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Taanishii Michif: Our Languages, Our Stories
Registration is now open for Taanishii Michif: Our Languages, Our Stories event at Fort Edmonton Park. Join our Language Revitalization Team for a day filled with learning, celebration, and connection.
This immersive event will take place at the Indigenous Peoples Experience on October 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants can look forward to interactive storytelling, performances by Darla Daniels and fiddler Brianna Lizotte, a jigging workshop with talented dancers, flintknapping language games, and more.
| | Plus, stop by the medicine tea station and explore Voices Beyond English: Stories with Elders and Language Holders. A traditional lunch will be included. | | | |
Join Us At The Battle River Métis Festival!
Come on down south for the Battle River Métis Festival! On October 4 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., join us at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre in Lethbridge for a fun-filled day. There will be a crib tournament, Artisan Market, Youth activities, and live entertainment from performers including Martin Desjarlais, Jacqui Daniels, Erin Berland, Northern Prairie Dancers, and more!
We hope to see you there! If you have questions, please contact Alex Kusturok at akusturok@metis.org.
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Event Photo Collection
Looking for photos from our recent events? Create a free Flickr account to access, browse, and add to our photo galleries.
View the public galleries below and relive the memorable moments!
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Contact Information Portal
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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PICS: Virtual Engagement FINAL SESSION
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.
Dates and times can be found through the links below.
| | Note: The Virtual Session is the the final opportunity to participate and is open to all women, youth, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Citizens across the province. | | | |
Peace River Nuclear Power Project: Regulator Info Session For Citizens
Join the Consultation Department for an online Zoom meeting to learn more about the Peace River Nuclear Power Project. This online session will include a presentation and a Q&A with Canada’s nuclear regulators.
Citizens' Guide to the Peace River Nuclear Power Project
Thursday, September 25, 2025
6:30 p.m.
(Zoom meeting link
will be emailed to you)
| | Open to all Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens, this is a chance to learn more about the project approval process, the impact assessment, and the roles of the regulators—the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Bring your questions and concerns, and let your voice be heard. | | | | |
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Discover the Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network
The Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network (CFAN) believes in a community where no family faces FASD alone and where individuals can thrive.
Join us on Thursday, September 25 at 6 p.m. (MT) for a free online information session via Zoom to learn more about the work of CFAN, the supports available, and how we can all work together to create a more supportive community for individuals and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and grow with us!
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Métis Mingle: Building Blocks for Family, Well-being, and Culture
Métis Mingle: Building Blocks for Family, Well-being, and Culture is coming to Alberta! This free event for Métis families with children aged 6–17 offers fun, interactive workshops like mindfulness, jigging, LEGO, and dot art—plus breakfast and lunch included.
Workshops for adults and kids run at the same time. Space is limited and eligibility applies—Métis families must live within two hours of the event and have children in the age range. No childcare provided.
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Registration Is Now Open
The Children and Family Services’ FASD Bridging Connections Program is bringing you a special FASD Mailout full of resources and activities rooted in Métis culture, value, and traditions.
Sign up to receive your first package in October, including:
- Easy-to-use tip sheets
- Métis cultural teachings and activities
- Practical tools to support loved ones with FASD
- Thoughtful gifts to remind you to care for yourself
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Our FASD Team is committed to building compassion, understanding, and wellness in our communities, one step at a time.
Sign up now and join us on this journey the Métis way.
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ABHuntLog: Input and Impact
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.
By participating in wildlife population monitoring, you are also building awareness about the role of hunting and harvesting in the Métis economy.
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Your participation will help us gain a better understanding of the efforts and costs involved in each hunting trip made to feed your family.
ABHuntLog is your opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts and advocate for Métis harvesting rights by logging your harvesting and wildlife observations.
Questions? Please reach out to environment@metis.org.
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Evacuation Survey
Help the Environment and Climate Change team develop resources for evacuees!
Our Environment and Climate Change team has created an emergency evacuation survey to better understand the experiences of Citizens who’ve had to evacuate their homes. This information will help the team better assist Métis Citizens when future emergencies occur.
If you’ve ever had to evacuate, please consider completing this confidential survey.
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Participants will be entered into a giveaway for one of 15 $100 gift cards.
For more information, contact environment@metis.org.
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Submit Your Berry Harvesting Trip Form Today!
Tell us about your berry harvesting experiences to help us understand what environmental pressures our berry species might be facing.
All Citizens who submit forms by October 31 can enter to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card. We’ll draw a winner and send them the gift card in November.
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Sustainability Tip: Don’t Let Phantom Energy Scare You
Did you know that electronics continuously draw power while they are plugged in, even when they’re in standby or sleep mode? This wasted energy is known as phantom energy or a phantom load, and it can add up. Phantom energy can make up as much as 5–10% of your electricity bill!
Inactive TVs, game consoles, and chargers are all examples of devices that contribute to phantom loads.
Unplug devices that are used seldomly, such as toasters, printers, guest room TVs, entertainment systems, etc.
Unplug and disconnect all appliances and devices before going on vacation or spending an extended period away from home.
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | | |
September is Arthritis Awareness Month
Arthritis affects many Métis families, often creating challenges in daily life.
Métis people living in rural and remote areas may face barriers such as limited access to specialists, long travel distances for care, and challenges in receiving timely diagnosis and treatment.
Watch for these early signs:
- Persistent joint pain
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling or warmth in joints
- Reduced mobility
- Fatigue
| | Let’s raise awareness and strengthen health and wellness for Métis peoples across Alberta. Our Epidemiological and Health Services Indicators of Arthritis Among the Métis Population of Alberta provides valuable insights. | | | |
Cancer Support and Navigation
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with cancer? The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Health Department is here to help. Through our Supports and Services Navigation (SSN) Program, we provide cancer-specific resources and navigation, including referrals to cancer-related supports and services, and follow-up support throughout your cancer journey.
If you are looking for travel funding, applications can be made to the Medical Travel Program.
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Help Shape Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Métis Albertans
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is conducting telephone interviews to better understand the needs and priorities of Métis Albertans in palliative and end-of-life care. Your insights will help inform future policies, practices, and improvements in healthcare.
Interviews are open to Métis Albertans and their caregivers aged 18 and older. Participation is voluntary, and all information shared will remain confidential — your name, address, or identifying details will not be disclosed.
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Interview participants will receive a $50 honorarium as gratitude for their time and participation.
For more information, please contact health@metis.org
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Shakiwayniwayhk (Embrace): Substance Use Recovery Program
We are committed to supporting Citizens on their substance use recovery journey.
Shakiwayniwayhk, the Substance Use Recovery Program, offers eligible Citizens recovering from substance use disorder individualized support to foster independent and healthy living during the maintenance stage of recovery. Additionally, program participants will collaborate with our substance use recovery team to build financial budgeting skills over a 12-month period.
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This program is designed to prepare Citizens for re-entry into the community after completing a Recovery Alberta-approved treatment program.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must:
- Be an Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen
- Be aged 18 +
- Be a resident of Alberta
- Be in recovery from substance use disorder
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Have completed treatment at a Recovery Alberta-approved residential or inpatient program in the past 12 months
OR
- Be actively engaged and stabilized for 6 months through a Recovery Alberta-accredited outpatient treatment program and have this confirmed by your outpatient treatment team*.
Applications for this program are subject to a lengthy intake process and space is limited.
For more information about the program and to apply, please contact us at: substanceuserecovery@metis.org or visit our website.
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Support When You Need It
Navigating life’s stresses can be difficult and it’s okay to need help.
We have partnered with Alberta Blue Cross and Homewood Health to create the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Wellness Program. Through this program, Métis Citizens of all ages are able to access FREE short-term goal-oriented counselling that is personalized, confidential, and professional.
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Counsellors can help in the following areas:
- Improving Personal Well-Being
- Managing Family and Relationships
- Addressing Workplace Challenges
- Taking Financial and Legal Control of Life
Contact 1-877-729-0261 to speak with a counsellor today or visit homeweb.ca for support.
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Métis Men Come Together
Métis men! We invite you to join us for Mamawi Pimohtetan, which means “Walking Together” in Cree. This is a weekly men’s group designed to empower Métis men by strengthening their connection to culture and community, while also focusing on breaking the cycles of family violence.
September 16 – December 2, 2025
Tuesdays, 7 – 9 PM.
Zoom
| | For 12 weeks, starting September 16, all Métis men (Citizen or self-identified) 18+ are invited to join us virtually on Zoom to learn about boundaries, coping strategies, and healthy relationships while engaging in traditional Métis knowledge. This is a valuable opportunity for our men to come together and grow as a community! | | | |
MIYOOAYAAN Wellness Summit: Registration Extended!
We’ve extended the deadline! You’ve got extra time to join us in Calgary for our 3rd Annual MIYOOAYAAN Wellness Summit!
We’re so excited to welcome two incredible keynote speakers this year, Leah Marie Dorion and Elder Curtis Breaton!
Plus enjoy an artist and info market, live music, jigging, and a lively kitchen party with Cam Lil’ Bear, free massages from AB College of Massage Therapists and Cultural Workshops including storytelling, yoga, herbal knowledge, tallow-salve making, and more!
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This summit provides a safe space for all Métis youth aged 12–29 to gather, build connections, participate in cultural workshops, and hear from inspirational keynote speakers and panelists.
Registration extended until Friday, September 26 at 4:30 p.m. (or until capacity is reached!)
Friday, November 7 from 4 p.m. –10 p.m.
Saturday, November 8 from 8 a.m. –10 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton, Calgary
Questions? Email us at youth@metis.org
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Central Youth Games Night
Get ready for a night of laughs, strategy, and friendly competition!
Join us for an evening of board games and fun—bring your best game face! We will also be playing JACKBOX!
Every Wednesday
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Youth Building
11821 123 ST NW, Edmonton
Please Note: There will be NO Central Youth Night on October 1!
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Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative | | | |
Métis Pride At Penhold Fall Festival Parade
Métis Local 492 Red Deer and Secretary Joe Chodzicki, Citizens’ Representative for Red Deer Métis District, were out representing the Otipemisiwak Métis Government on September 6 at the Penhold Fall Festival parade.
The float was organized by Local 492 Red Deer and Local President Bobbi Cunningham.
| | Secretary Chodzicki, along with many local Métis Citizens, offered a helping hand to make the float, and the parade, an incredible success! | | | | |
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New Drop: Every Child Matters Hoodies!"
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government with Cree Productions is pleased to announce the launch of our Every Child Matters hoodies in time for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Remembering and respecting those who had endured Canada’s residential school system, our Truth and Reconciliation hoodies are meant to acknowledge the struggles of our ancestors and those still grappling with this unfortunate past.
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Every Child Matters hoodies are now featured and displayed on the Cree Productions website.
Hoodies are solid orange, displaying the emblematic “Every Child Matters” adage in the front, and available in various sizes. In stock are small, medium, and large for adults, along with small, medium, large and extra-large for youth.
Show your support and compassion by ordering your Truth and Reconciliation hoodies either by:
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Crafting Symbols of Remembrance At Métis Crossing
Join us for a meaningful workshop where creativity meets reconciliation. At Métis Crossing, you’ll learn the art of beading while creating Orange Shirt and Red Dress pins—powerful symbols of remembrance for residential school survivors and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
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Guided by skilled instructors, this two-day experience provides all supplies and hands-on learning, allowing you to develop new skills while making something deeply impactful. Alongside coffee and tea, you’ll connect with others in an atmosphere of reflection, awareness, and allyship.
September 21, 2025
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1 p.m.– 4 p.m.
Cost: $55–65 | Groups up to 25
Take part in creating lasting symbols of awareness and reconciliation!
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Seasonal Escapes & Cultural Journeys Await
Looking for a getaway that blends culture, nature, and adventure? Métis Crossing offers packages designed to create unforgettable experiences year-round. From immersive cultural journeys and educational retreats to stargazing under Alberta’s night skies, every package invites you to connect with Métis traditions, history, and community.
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Whether it’s a summer escape filled with hands-on cultural activities, a winter retreat surrounded by snowy landscapes, or a unique multi-day package combining heritage and breathtaking natural views—there’s something for every traveler.
Plan your perfect cultural adventure and experience Métis Crossing like never before.
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Our Métis Heritage
The Métis story is one of resilience, culture, and connection to the land. Born from the unions of European fur traders and First Nations women in the 18th century, the Métis developed a distinct identity, vibrant traditions, and a deep bond with the land that continues to shape our Nation today.
At Métis Crossing, you can explore this rich heritage through stories of the fur trade, the laws of the buffalo hunt, traditional customs, language, and the fight for land rights.
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Each experience highlights the strength and ingenuity of the Métis People while honouring the path toward reconciliation and self-governance.
From dancing, music, and storytelling to exploring historical trade and governance, Métis Crossing invites you to step into a living history that celebrates the past while building for the future.
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Save the Date: Métis Artist Market
The bi-annual Métis Artist Market is coming back to Kingsway Garden Mall on November 15! If you are a Métis artist, or know a Métis artist, and are interested in participating in this market, feel free to fill out our vendor application form!
Last chance today, September 20, is the FINAL DAY for Métis artists to apply to be part of the market!
If you have any questions or concerns, send us an email at metisart@metis.org.
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Are You An Employer Looking For Métis Apprentices?
Rupertsland Institute is continuing to expand Métis participation in trades!
The brand-new Employer Apprenticeship Incentive aims to increase the number of contracted Métis apprentices in the trades. This program seeks to mitigate the costs associated with hiring, training, or retaining apprentices and increasing Métis participation up to their Red Seal designation.
Call 1-888-48-MÉTIS (1-888-486-3847) or visit one of our 9 offices across Alberta!
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Journey Through Truth & Reconciliation: Michif Language Revitalization
Rupertsland Teaching and Learning invites you to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with five days of educational resources focused on Michif language revitalization.
Learn and share lessons exploring the impacts of Residential Schools on the Métis and how educators can weave Métis language into their school communities.
As part of this path towards reconciliation, join us on September 26 for pre-recorded virtual field trips with Northern Michif Language Holder and Educator, Sandra Davenport.
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Online Anytime Courses!
Boost your schedule with virtual upgrading from NorQuest College and RLI!
From Science 10 to Social 30, you are able to complete most requirements for your Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or post-secondary applications. These courses are available to all Alberta Métis Citizens who fit RLI's eligibility criteria.
Courses start on October 1 and are open for continuous application. Get ahead TODAY!
To find out more, give us a call at 1-888-486-3847 or visit one of our 9 offices across Alberta.
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Share Your Experiences!
Rupertsland Institute (RLI) wants to share your experiences as a student and/or alumni who has received support from RLI! Plus, you will receive a piece of RLI swag of your choosing.
We will be capturing student and alumni stories through videos, audio, and photos, which will later be shared with the Community as promotional materials.
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