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Tananishi! Welcome to the July edition of the Lethbridge & Area Métis Association newsletter! We are excited to introduce our newest staff members who have joined our vibrant team, share updates on our dedicated council, and highlight the exciting events coming up this month. Additionally, we are reaching out for community volunteers to support our enriching cultural programming. Your participation and enthusiasm continue to make our community strong and united. Let's celebrate and grow together! | |
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Meet Our New Team Members
Your Council Representatives
Call For Volunteers
Events and Cultural Programming Survey
Upcoming Events
Event Recap
New Merch!
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Meet Our New Team Members | |
Annie Stehr
Program Coordinator
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I am excited to join the Lethbridge & Area Métis Association as your new Program Coordinator! With a B.Mgmt, minor in New Media, from the University of Lethbridge, along with a diploma in B.Admin in Marketing from SAIT, I've pursued a career in marketing and media within nonprofit organizations. I bring a diverse set of skills to accompany a passion for community engagement to this amazing role. I like to think of myself as a jack of all trades!
As an artist, I find joy in both photography and painting, capturing and creating moments that tell stories. Check out Annie Stehr Photography on social media if you're curious! Additionally, I have a deep love for coordinating events that bring community together. I look forward to working with all of you to support and celebrate our vibrant Métis culture and community. Be sure to say Tansi/Oki/Hello when you see me out and about!
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Kimberly Hansen
Executive Assistant
| My initial experience as the new Executive Assistant has been overwhelmingly positive and I am thrilled to be joining such a supportive team of council members. I bring a background in education, organization and management and hold B.Sc., B.Ed., and M.Ed. degrees. I have served as a volunteer for other non-profit boards for multiple years, and have a passion for community and family. I manage my own residential investment properties, and devote all my free time to my two young children. I hope that my variety of knowledge and experience will be an asset to the Métis Association and the members of our cultural community. Growing up I wasn't connected with my Métis heritage, and so I am very much anticipating the new connections and relationships that I can build in this realm. Maarsii and Kaawaapamatin! | |
We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to their contributions! | | |
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Our office is now open:
Monday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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Your Council Representatives | |
Our council is here to serve and support you. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns to info@lethbridgemetis.com. | | |
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Dr. Adam Browning
President
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Tananishi,
My name is Dr. Adam Browning, and I have the honour and privilege of leading our local Lethbridge and Area Métis community along with several other dedicated elected Council members and Elders. I descend from those families that contributed to the Métis resistance, and many of my ancestors hail from the historic communities in this area. I am passionate about connecting with our community. Despite the efforts to see our great people disconnected from our identity, I see it come back so easily to us when we connect with each other. Taapweeyimisho and Taapweeyimik lii Michif - Believe in yourself and Believe in the Métis!
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Melanie Morrow
Vice President
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Taanishi! I'm Melanie Morrow and have had the honour of serving our community as Vice-President over the last couple of years and was a council member prior. I'm an elementary educator with a passion for nature, language, and adventure!
It's been an absolute pleasure to meet and work with members of our Métis community here in Southern Alberta. Thank you to everyone who has been able to support our past events and please stay tuned for more events and workshops coming in the near future!
Enn bonn zhoornii ayahkun (Have a good day)
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Hi, I am Jody Powelson and I have been involved with the Lethbridge and area Métis on and off for over 20 years. That is when I found out I am a direct descendant of Cuthbert Grant, who was the first person to raise our Métis flag which pre dates the Canadian flag by 150 years. I am proud of who I am, and where I come from, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this legacy with my children. I enjoy learning about our culture and traditions. I look forward to meeting more members and being able to serve our community in any way I can.
Ni kihceyihten niya Mechif (I am proud to be Métis)
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My name is Yvette Lowen and I have the privilege of serving in the Secretary position for our Lethbridge and Area Métis Council. I am passionate about educating individuals about our culture and have a desire to see more opportunities to be included in our Lethbridge community. My relative was a direct Advisor to Louis Riel and I had family leave the Métis Homeland to work in our southern Alberta region on the CP and CN railways as chefs. I am committed to sharing our beautiful Métis heritage and culture with my own three children, as well as the school communities that I am involved with in my role as a teacher. | | |
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Taanishi! I am a proud Métis citizen and want to welcome you to the Lethbridge and Area Métis Association. I have always been in positions where I assist individuals to achieve their goals or desired outcomes and thoroughly enjoy what I do every day. I believe in the power of education to heal and to empower you to realize your aspirations so the gifts you have been given can be fostered and you can flourish not only for yourself but your family and community. I am an alumna of the University of Lethbridge where I studied Neuroscience, swam Varsity for the Pronghorns, and was Head Coach of Excalibur Swim Team. At the center of my world is my husband and two children, my culture, sports, and the outdoors in any capacity. I am an enormous advocate for balance in life and I am excited to get to know you and to support you as a part of this council. Maarsii! | | |
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Taanishi,
My name is Renee Ketcheson. As a proud, re-connecting Red River Métis, I’m excited to be more involved and part of this council. I’m looking forward to the amazing events and activities our group will bring to the local community to share our history and culture. Kaawaapamatin! (See you soon!)
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Get involved in Cultural Programming: | |
Are you a holder of cultural practices and knowledge? Would you like to host a workshop? We are looking for enthusiastic community members to volunteer for our cultural programming events. Annie is seeking community members who would like to share their knowledge of Métis cultural, historical and artisanal practices. | |
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All ideas for workshops are welcome and encouraged as we seek to enrich our community. Your help is invaluable in preserving and promoting our rich Métis heritage.
If you are interested in volunteering or joining the Culture Committee, please contact Annie at: coordinator@lethbridgemetis.com or (403) 328 - 7828.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement!
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We are seeking community members interested in participating in the Whoop-Up Days Parade! This years Whoop-up Days Parade theme is Grow Up Western. Help decorate the float, join us in the parade, and clean up.
Float decorating date: August 19th 3:30pm
Parade date: August 20th 8:30am
Starting Location: Park Place Mall
If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact and include any restrictions or needs within your email
info@lethbridgemetis.com or call (403) 328 - 7828
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Events and Cultural Programming Survey | |
If you have trouble accessing the survey, contact by emailing coordinator@lethbridgemetis.com | |
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Métis Experience
Wednesday, Jul 10 12:30 - 3pm
Wednesday, Aug 7 12:30 - 3pm
This experiential tour will provide a glimpse into Métis culture and life in southern Alberta. Spots are limited, please book your ticket in advance.
Fort Whoop-Up
200 Indian Battle Rd S, Lethbridge
$42.00
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Back to Batoche
July 18th to 21st, 2024
Camping registration for this year’s Back to Batoche Days festival has officially closed.
Back to Batoche Days is located in Batoche, Saskatchewan, the historic homeland of the Métis. For over 50 years, the four-day event has been an important opportunity to share Métis culture, build relationships, honour our Métis veterans, and connect to the land where our Métis heroes fought in the 1885 Northwest Resistance.
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Wolf Willow Workshop
Saturday, August 17, 2024
9:00 am to 11:00 am
Learn to clean Wolf Willow seeds and create jewelry with them. This fun-filled session will be facilitated by Melanie Morrow.
Galt Museum & Archives
502 1 Street South, Lethbridge
$10.50
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Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life Exhibit
June to September 2024
Fort Whoop-Up is currently hosting the travelling exhibition, Lii Buflo: A Métis Way of Life, presented in proud partnership with Parks Canada. Lii Buflo consists of 10 six-foot panels which all include graphics from Métis artist Jesse Gouchey.
Visitors can experience the physical exhibit at Fort Whoop-Up until September 2024, during regular operating hours, with the cost of regular admission. For those unable to visit in person, a virtual exhibition experience and supplemental information are available on the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert website.
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Whoop-Up Days Parade
August 20th 9:00am
Beginning at Park Place Shopping Centre, the traditional parade route travels south along 3rd St S, east on 3rd Ave S, north on 13th St N, then east on 9th Ave N, dispersing at the Galbraith Elementary School.
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Lewistown Métis Celebration and Powwow
Aug 29th to Sept 1st, 2024
Métis Celebration and Powwow is a annual cultural event. Indigenous fiddlers, dancers, singers, and crafters from throughout the United States and Canada converge in Lewistown Montana at the Fergus County Fairgrounds and everyone is welcome.
Thursday - Camping and concessions open, open jam.
Friday - Live auction. Fiddle, jig and waltz contests.
Saturday - Powwow registration and dances.
Sunday - Powwow, potato dance, and contestant payouts.
More details and camping registration can be found on the Métis Celebration Lewistown Montana Facebook page.
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Métis Flag Raising Ceremony
We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Métis Flag Raising Ceremony Friday, June 21, 2024. Not only did the event go off without a hitch, but it was truly successful because all of our community has contributed to this in some way. It was a significant milestone for Métis people in Lethbridge and the surrounding communities.
A special thank you to Carl Jerome for initiating this conversation with the city a couple of years ago, and to all those who joined in to see this through. Many of you took the day off, and the planning for this day was excellent. Thank you to the volunteers who showcased the Red River Jig during the event. Our ancestors fought for what this flag represents. Keep taking up that space. Taapweeyimisho and Taapweeyimik lii Michif - Believe in yourself and Believe in the Métis. Maarsii!
View event photos on Facebook
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National Indigenous Peoples Day in Galt Gardens
Galt Gardens was full of Indigenous pride Friday, June 21st! We were so happy to connect with community members and partners in the park. Our new t-shirts were a hit, so be sure to come by the office to get yours! Thank you to our amazing volunteers for running the table that day, as well as all those who stopped by.
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Lethbridge Public Library National Indigenous Peoples Day
Brittany, River and Slayter did an amazing job demonstrating how to Jig at the Lethbridge Public Library for NIPD. They also spoke about the significance of the Métis sash and demonstrated some of its traditional purposes. We were happy to partner with Lethbridge Public Library, Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society and the department of Canadian Heritage for this event. Thank you to all the hard work of the performers, staff and volunteers who made it possible!
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Be sure to stop in at the office to get yourself one of the new t-shirts!
$25
Size: Small to 2XL
In both white and grey colour
We now accept debit transactions in the office and at events.
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