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Marsii to everyone who joined us at this year’s Citizens’ Gathering. I am grateful to all who were able to make the journey out to Métis Crossing or followed along online.
Our time together showed the strength of our government. Through culture, conversation, and community, we lived out our ancestors’ vision of Métis self-government.
Looking ahead, the Chief Electoral Officer has announced elections this fall for several Districts and the Provincial Women’s Representative. These elections are vital to ensuring every part of our government has strong leadership. Please stay engaged, cast your vote, and consider running for office. Visit the Chief Electoral Officer’s website at metiselectionsab.com for more information.
Together, we are building a strong, proud, and Métis future.
| | Notice of Vote Late Fall Election | | |
From November 16–22, 2025, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government will be holding the Provincial Women’s Representative by-election alongside District Captain and Council elections.
The Women’s Representative by-election will be held provincewide, while the District Captain election will be held in Calgary Nose Hill Métis District. District Captain and Council elections will be held in Red Deer Métis District.
Additionally, District Councillor by-elections will be held in Wabasca-Desmarais Métis District, and St. Paul-Cold Lake Métis District (Fishing Lake Metis Settlement/Elizabeth Metis Settlement Sub-District, and Youth Councillor).
Your voice matters! Help shape the future of our Nation! You can vote in-person, electronically, or by mail.
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Become A Candidate
Thinking of becoming a candidate for the upcoming Fall elections?
Find out what it takes in Part 1 of our Become a Candidate information series. Read Part 2 in the September 20 edition of the Voyageur Voice.
Being a District Captain or Councillor is incredibly rewarding!
You have the chance to:
- Represent the interests of your District and Métis Citizens
- Shape programs and champion services
- Contribute to the future of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government
Understand the Role of a Candidate
You’ll be responsible for:
- Engaging with voters
- Ensuring your campaign activities align with Otipemisiwak Métis Government Election Law
- Following the Candidate Code of Conduct
- Submitting Campaign Finance Documents after the Election
Eligibility Requirements
You must:
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Be a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government aged 18 or older
- Reside in the District where you are running
- Have no financial debt owing to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, or its affiliates
- Collect the appropriate amount of nomination signatures
- Submit your nomination package by the nomination deadline
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, go to: metiselectionsab.com
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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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Promoting & Increasing Cultural Safety
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.
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We Want To Hear From You
Our Consultation Department wants to continue discussions with Citizens surrounding species at risk in Canada, specifically those listed under the Government of Canada's Species at Risk Act (SARA).
Through this survey and upcoming educational engagements, Citizens can provide perspectives on SARA to inform the consultation process, which is critical to support Métis rights in relation to species at risk.
Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey through the link below and let your voice be heard!
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Caregiver Connect Night
Welcome to FASD Métis Caregiver Connect Nights! Join us on Wednesday, September 17 at 6 p.m. (MT) for an evening of connection, support, and learning. This online event is designed for Métis parents, grandparents, and caregivers of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Connect with other caregivers around our virtual kitchen table to share experiences and gain valuable resources and information.
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Whether you’re looking for tips on navigating the challenges of caregiving or simply want to connect with others who understand your journey, this event is for you.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect and support each other in a safe and welcoming space. We look forward to seeing you there!
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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! | | | |
Inviting All Professionals
This referral-based program supports Indigenous parents and guardians working to reunite with or retain their children in their care.
Are you working alongside Indigenous families who need safe, stable housing to reunify?
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Family Reunification Program (FRP) supports families as they heal, strengthen connections, and preserve reunification.
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The program works in partnership with social workers, housing providers, and community agencies to create pathways that help families thrive.
We invite professionals in social services, housing, and child and family support to join our online Community Information Session to learn more about:
• How referrals work
• Culturally grounded supports available through FRP
• Tools and resources to strengthen your work with families
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Save The Date: Métis Family Retreat
Registration opens September 12, 2025, at 9 a.m.!
Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note, the CFS Department has implemented a process by which families facing special circumstances that risk disconnection from culture and community are prioritized as participants in this program. These families must be referred by one of the CFS managers, and are exempt from the restrictions below.
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Eligibility:
- Must reside in Alberta
- Must be Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government
- Must have at least one child aged 17 or younger attending
- Families must be available for the duration of the retreat and be able to organize their transportation to and from Métis Crossing
- Families will be prioritized if they have not attended a family camp/retreat through the Children and Family Services Department in the past 18 months.
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Askîy Wildlife Community Monitor Program
Support our species monitoring efforts! From now until the end of September, each completed form lets you enter for a chance to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card as well as one of two $100 Cabela’s gift cards!
Questions? Please reach out to environment@metis.org.
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Conservation Land Access Dashboard
Experience all that fall has to offer at any of the 1,000 conservation sites listed on our Conservation Land Access Dashboard (CLAD)!
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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Hunters' Role in Monitoring CWD in Alberta
Hunters play a key role in monitoring Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Alberta.
If you're a Métis harvester, we encourage you to submit deer heads for CWD testing as part of theGovernment of Alberta's CWD Surveillance Program. Submitting deer heads is mandatory in some Wildlife Management Units (WMUs)—check if this applies to your hunting area.
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Pathways To Healthy Living | | | |
Navigating Cancer Can Be Challenging, Support Is Available!
Join Wellspring Alberta’s Indigenous Cancer Sharing Circle. Wellspring Alberta’s Indigenous Cancer Sharing Circle provides a safe and welcoming space for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults living in Alberta.
First Monday of every month
2 p.m.–3:30 p.m. MST.
Virtual and open to all
Indigenous peoples
| | 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. | | | |
Make A Change In Your Nicotine Use!
Join our FREE 8-week Virtual QuitCore program and start your journey!
Evening sessions run on Wednesdays, 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. on Zoom starting September 10, 2025.
Register by September 8 by emailing KHachey@metis.org.
Please include your Métis Citizenship ID number.
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Citizens who complete the program will:
- Receive a “QuitKit”
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Become eligible for a $500 Alberta Blue Cross Benefit Card for Nicotine Replacement Therapies
This program is in partnership with Alberta Health Services.
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District 17 Free Dental Clinic And Community Gathering!
This event is about bringing our community together, improving health, and enjoying quality time with friends. Come for an appointment—stay for the gathering!
September 22–26, 2025
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Camp-Yogi,
201 Townsend Dr, Anzac
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Note: Appointment spaces are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to individuals experiencing distressing symptoms and dental emergencies.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at Dental@Metis.org or 780-455-2200 EXT. 244
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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. For online support, visit homeweb.ca.
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Join Us On A Path Toward Healing
We invite Métis Survivors to join us on a path toward healing.
Please join us this September for our Virtual Healing Circles for Métis Survivors of Intergenerational, Colonial, and Systemic Trauma. Come to reconnect, reflect, and heal together guided by the Weaving Wellness Centre.
Starts September 20, 2025
Saturdays
10:30 a.m. on Zoom
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Métis Men Come Together
Mamawi Pimohtetan, “Walking Together” in Cree, is a 12-week men’s circle where Métis men come together in a safe, supportive space to share, learn, and be heard.
Guided by a Métis facilitator and grounded in the Métis River Teachings — Respect, Love, Kindness, Strength, Sharing, Balance, Caring, Courage, Honesty, Mother Earth, Patience, and Tolerance — this program empowers participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to heal, communicate with compassion, and build healthy, respectful relationships.
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Through this journey, men strengthen their connection to culture, self, and their community, breaking the cycles of family violence and walking forward with purpose.
Join us virtually, Tuesdays on Zoom from 7 – 9 p.m., September 16 – December 2, 2025.
Email justice@metis.org to receive a registration link.
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Sports & Recreation Grant Opening Soon!
Registration will open on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 12 p.m.
The Sports and Recreation Grant helps cover costs for Métis youth to participate in eligible sports and recreation programs. This grant is available to Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens aged 5 to 17, as of September 8, 2025.
Eligibility Period: Receipts must be dated between November 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025.
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- Applications must be submitted online with all required documentation.
- Incomplete or missing information will be denied.
- Applications cannot be edited once submitted.
- Reimbursement is not guaranteed.
For more information, email sports@metis.org
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Youth Night Is Back!
Get ready for an evening of friendly competition and fun!
We'll be heading outdoors to play a variety of Indigenous games, including double ball, stick pull, and more!
Be sure to come prepared for various weather conditions.
September 10, 2025
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Youth Building
11821 123 ST NW, Edmonton
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Jig N' Jam: Bring Your Jiggin’ Shoes
Everyone is welcome!
Fiddlers, guitar players, and musicians—come jam with us at our Jig n' Jam in Lethbridge!
Featuring Billy Joseph on fiddle and jigging lessons with Cam Lil Bear!
Fun, music, and community vibes all night!
Questions? Contact Emily at eberard@metis.org
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Find Your District Captain Or Citizens' Representative | | | | |
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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:
· Phone: 780-455-2200
· Email: creeproductions@metis.org
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Planning Your Visit to Métis Crossing
Getting here is easy! Métis Crossing is just 1.5 hours northeast of Edmonton and 10 minutes south of Smoky Lake along the historic Victoria Trail.
With 688 acres of cultural experiences, accommodations, and breathtaking scenery, your journey is closer than you think.
Find directions and plan your trip to Métis Crossing!
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Métis Crossing Featured in Wanderlust Magazine
We’re proud to share that Wanderlust Magazine has highlighted Métis Crossing in their recent article, “Six ways to experience traditional Métis culture in Canada.”
From witnessing the sacred white bison to exploring immersive cultural experiences, the feature showcases why Métis Crossing is a must-visit destination.
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Métis Crossing’s Commitment to a Greener Tomorrow
At Métis Crossing, sustainability is more than a goal—it’s a way of life.
From eco-friendly building design and renewable energy to reintroducing heritage bison and honouring connections to the land, every step we take is rooted in cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
Recognized with national awards, Métis Crossing continues to lead the way in building a sustainable future for generations to come.
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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!
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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Have You Checked Out En Roo Yet?
As the Fall 2025 semester approaches, we encourage all Otipemisiwak Métis students to make the most of this digital hub for community, resources, and opportunities.
- Connect with other Métis students and alumni
- Explore scholarships, programs, and events
- Stay rooted in your culture while you grow
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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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Join RLI's Expanding Team!
We are hiring for various roles requiring diverse skill sets. Please note the full list of open positions is available on our website. See an opportunity that suits you?
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