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Dear Citizens,
Just 12 months ago, you—the Métis people of this province—put your trust in our government to serve you. Since then, we have reached many key milestones as part of our journey towards self-government.
From the Healing Waters Recovery Community, to the Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm, to our petition to the Parole Board of Canada and the overarching work of our government to strengthen stakeholder relationships while educating people about our new governance structure, the recognition of your rights as Métis people continue to be at the heart of it all.
Like the threads that hold together the sashes of our Métis heritage, each initiative, project or program that has been launched, developed or expanded upon, will enrich the fabric of our self-government. You can read more about that and an update on Métis National Council here.
Sincerely,
President Andrea Sandmaier
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By Notice of the Chief Electoral Officer on September 20, 2024; the candidates in the 2024 Métis District Elections for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government have been determined.
Find out who is running for District Council!
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DEADLINE EXTENDED: It's not too late to make a positive impact and represent the interests of your District and Citizens.
The deadline to submit nomination packages to run in the District Council elections has been extended until Friday, September 27 at 5 p.m. for the following Districts:
- District 12 – Bonnyville Sub-District
- District 12 – Fishing Lake/Elizabeth Metis Settlements Sub-District
- District 12 – District Youth Councillor
- District 22 – Wabasca-Desmarais
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Restorative Justice Online Sharing Circle
Join our Justice Department for four online sharing circles where we will create a collaborative group that builds supportive relationships.
Our active participation and unique perspectives as Indigenous people will play a crucial role in shaping a Provincial Restorative Justice Program.
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SESSION #1
Intention of Restorative Justice
Tuesday, September 24
SESSION #2
Desired Outcomes
Tuesday, October 1
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SESSION #3
Overcoming Challenges
Tuesday, October 8
SESSION #4
Program Requirements and Self-Care
Tuesday, October 15
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There will be two options for time on each date: 2 – 4:30 p.m. and 6 – 8:30 p.m.
The sessions are part of a province-wide initiative to address systemic disparities and promote cultural relevance regarding the unique challenges Métis, First Nations, Inuit, and Racialized Communities face.
This is an opportunity to make your voice heard.
Register by September 23.
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Join Us In Making A Difference
We're conducting a survey to develop potential programs and services for child welfare within the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Children and Family Services.
Your contribution will shape potential programs and services for children and families province-wide.
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FASD Strategies For A Successful School Year
Join Robbie Seale, FASD specialist and parent of three teens with FASD, for an engaging discussion about the common characteristics of this neurodevelopmental disability, importance of a diagnosis, as well as strategies we can all use to help people with FASD thrive in our families, classrooms, workplaces, and community.
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Métis Early Learner Accessibility Grant
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government Children and Family Services Department is thrilled to announce the launch of the Flourishing Futures Accessibility Grant Pilot Program!
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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Métis Mingle:
Building Blocks for Family, Well-Being, and Culture.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government - Children and Family Services Department and MP Psychology, invites Métis families and knowledge-holders to join us for a special event aimed at strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories.
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Saturday, Oct. 5
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Radisson Hotel & Suites, Fort McMurray
Enjoy free workshops for children, youth, and adults, plus lunch and snacks!
Workshops Include:
- Lego Masters and Creative Kids Workshops
- Mindfulness Workshop
- Beading Lessons
- Yoga Lessons
Come mingle and have fun with us! Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited space availability.
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Métis Resilient Roots - A Truth and Reconciliation Resource for Métis Children and Caregivers
Métis Resilient Roots - A Truth and Reconciliation Resource for Métis Children and Caregivers" was thoughtfully created by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Children and Family Services Department to support Métis children and their families through difficult conversations and emotions by providing insights, tools, and activities that will help foster a connection to Métis culture and community.
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Our hope is that this resource will help Métis children feel seen, proud, and empowered, reminding families that they are not alone in this journey.
Access a printable digital version of this meaningful resource here.
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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, September 28, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Youth: Saturday, September 28, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
2SLGBTQQIA+: Sunday, September 29,10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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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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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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Calling ALL Citizens, We Want To Hear From You
We want to gain a better understanding of our Citizens’ land-use and harvesting practices. All Citizens, not just active harvesters, are encouraged to fill out our Citizen Wide Survey on Land-Use and Harvesting Rights!
Complete the survey for a chance to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards!
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Out Picking Berries?
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.
To show our appreciation, all Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens who submit forms by November 30, 2024 will be entered into a draw for a $250 Cabela’s gift card. Draws will be held and all prizes distributed by December 2024.
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Help Protect Alberta's Fish And Their Habitat
Out fishing? Tell us about it! Fill out any (or all!) of our fishing forms between September 1 and December 31 and be entered to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card.
Want to know what we’ve learned from your submissions? Check out our new Fish Community Monitoring StoryMap. To learn more and to access our community monitor program, click here.
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Pathway To Healthy Living | | |
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Caregivers Carry The Weight Of The World On Their Shoulders. We Can Help.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to host Caregivers Alberta’s award-winning COMPASS for the Caregiver program.
This four-week program is designed to help caregivers balance their own well-being with the challenges of providing care.
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Sessions will occur online through Zoom on Fridays, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
• Oct. 11 & Oct. 18: Being a Caregiver
• Oct. 25 & Nov. 8: Managing Your Stress
• Nov. 8 & Nov. 15: Balancing Relationships
• Nov 22: Navigating the Journey
Limited spots are available. Register before September 27!
For more information, contact Gina Levasseur at GLevasseur@metis.org.
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Join Our FREE Virtual QuitCore Program
Take a QuitCore break from September 25 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 a Métis Nation within Alberta Citizen, aged 18 and older and seeking to reduce and/or quit your nicotine use, register today by emailing khachey@metis.org.
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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. | |
Don’t Wait — Get Screened Today
A mammogram can help identify abnormal cells early, making cancer more treatable and improving health outcomes. Women between the ages of 45 and 74 are advised to have a mammogram every two 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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Revitalizing Our Language | | |
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Save The Date for Taanishii Michif: Our Languages, Our Stories.
Connect with Métis culture at the Fort Edmonton Park Indigenous Peoples Experience
Oct. 5
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fort Edmonton Park
Enjoy interactive cultural classes, captivating performances, and guided tours.
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Learn about diverse histories, perspectives, and experiences of local Indigenous peoples as you wander through the historic site. Participants will also enjoy a traditional lunch at the Fort.
Join the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Language Revitalization Team for a day full of learning, celebration, and connection. This immersive day is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich languages, cultures, and histories of the Métis and Indigenous peoples within Alberta.
Wrap up this experience with a special storytelling session at the Cree Corner Teepee, where Knowledge Keepers will share stories and insights about the Michif languages and Métis culture.
Registration opens on September 23 at 10 a.m.
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Join Us In Celebrating Our Métis Students And Alumni
Join us on October 3 for a special gathering as we celebrate our Métis students and alumni!
Shaakipakowa, meaning "they are budding." is a reflection of our community’s deep roots and a celebration of the new beginnings represented by our students and alumni.
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Some highlights of the event:
- Vendor Tables
- A Custom Non-Alcoholic Welcome Beverage
- An Interactive Art Activity
- A Photo Booth
- And plenty of networking opportunity to connect with fellow community members
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Showcase Your Work
We are excited to invite you to participate as a vendor at our next Rupertsland Métis Student and Alumni Association (RMSA) event: Shaakipakowa (they are budding).
Shaakipakowa is on October 3, at the Carriage House Inn in Calgary, AB. This special event celebrates the stories of our Métis alumni and looks forward to the bright future of our students.
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We are seeking vendors who resonate with our theme of growth, connection, and renewal. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your work to a community that values and supports its members. | | |
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The True Canadians Podcast:
A Place To Call Home
In this episode, Violet LaPratt, tenant relations officer for the Métis Urban Housing Corporation, tells host David Wylynko about the opportunities available for those requiring assistance. They also explore Violet’s own living situation growing up, how important the Métis homeland in Alberta has been to her family, and the value of pride in home ownership.
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Find your Citizens’ Council Representative or District Captain! | |
Register With The Otipemisiwak Métis Government | | |
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Have Your Contact Details Changed?
Ensure your contact information is up to date by using our Contact Information Portal to update your Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizenship Profile. Stay informed and never miss an important update from us.
Citizens need to have an email address already on file to receive a confirmation code during the log in process.
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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:
September 21 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
September 26 from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
We're also coming to these locations:
September 24 in Calgary from 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel
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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September 30
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
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