Culture & Events
Events
- Great Time at the Annual Citizen’s Gathering 2024
Great Time at the Annual Citizen’s Gathering 2024
We were thrilled to be part of the historic Inaugural Citizen’s Gathering hosted by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta! 🎉 It was an honor to connect with our fellow Métis Alberta and District 21 citizens, share our stories, and celebrate our rich culture together.♾️
At our District 21 trade show table, we proudly gave away free Otipemisiwak t-shirts, showcased our new branded sweatpants for sale, and proudly sold our brand new children’s book, The Bear’s Gift. It was a joy to meet so many of you and share in the excitement of our growing nation!💙♾️
This year marked the 96th consecutive year of gathering, and it was truly a celebration to remember. From important announcements about our self-government, and new department initiatives to the vibrant artist market, amazing Métis Jiggers, delicious meals, and activities for all ages, the event was a testament to our community’s strength and unity. 💙
“With over 700 Métis of Alberta Citizens in attendance, the Inaugural Citizen’s Gathering was an incredible success!” said Andrea Sandmaier. We couldn’t agree more—thank you to everyone who made this gathering so special. We’re already looking forward to next year! ✨
- Proud of Walter For Being Honored
Proud of Walter For Being Honored
Thursday, August 22, 2024
We are beyond proud of our very own Walter Andreeff, Consultation Coordinator for Métis District 21! During the Inaugural Citizens’ Gathering, Walter was honored with a special gift of recognition from Otipemisiwak Métis Government President Andrea Sandmaier for his incredible contribution and hard work on the Self-Government Transition Committee. Thank you, Walter, for your dedication and commitment to our community. Your efforts are truly making a difference as we move forward in our journey of self-governance.
- School Supplies Donated
School Supplies Donated 2024
Thursday, August 22, 2024
💙 We are sending out a huge thank you to the team at United Way Alberta Northwest for the large donation of 93 Backpacks filled with school supplies to match each student’s grade to our Métis District 21 citizens that registered! 🎒🍎✏️📏
- United Way Award
United Way Award
Thursday, August 22, 2024
We were proud to present the award for Generosity and Support of our Métis District 21 Citizens to United Way Alberta Northwest 💙
The lovely Barbara Emmrich, our Métis Wellness Program Coordinator presented the award
to Ken Loudon, Executive Director who accepted it on behalf of United Way Alberta Northwest 🏆
- Are You Interested in Field Work?
Are You Interested in Field Work?
Our office is looking for fieldwork participants to join us in exploring and protecting our beautiful lands.🌲 If you have some knowledge of local plants and game animals, and you’re free during weekdays in September, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! 🦌🍃
📋 𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔:
✔️ Some knowledge of local plants and game animals
✔️ Available during weekdays in September 2024
✔️ Comfortable walking in the bush
✔️ Must be a Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) citizen
✔️ Must be 21 years of age or older
If you’re interested and meet the criteria, please contact Walter Andreeff at wandreeff@metis.org or call 780-380-1468 for more details. 🚗 Honorarium and travel will be provided for those who are selected and participate. Let’s work together to care for our land and heritage! 💙
- Get Your Own District 21 Merch
Get Your Own District 21 Merchandise
The Slave Lake Local #19 ♾️Come visit our Métis District 21 office during regular business hours to 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁.”💙
♾️ Our wonderful models Walter and Brenda are displaying our new District 21 Sweatpants.
🐻📖 Our new Children’s Book based on a true story, “The Bear’s Gift.” Written and illustrated by the talented Angie, this enchanting story is perfect for young readers.💙 The books are $20 each.
The Sweatpants are in limited quantity and in person on a first come first serve basis. The sweatpants are $35 to $40 based on size.
*Please note, that we can only accept cash payments at this time.
- Closed For Truth & Reconciliation Day
Unveiling Our New Monument
Our office will be closed on Monday, September 30, 2024, and will resume regular business hours on October 01, 2024. We appreciate your support as we take the time to honour and remember both the children who were lost and the survivors of residential schools.
Let’s unite in reflection today It is National Truth and Reconciliation: A time to recognize the painful legacy of Canada’s Indigenous residential schools, striving for healing, understanding, and unity.
Every Child Matters is an important movement advocating for Indigenous children’s rights, fostering change, and paying tribute to those impacted by the residential school system. May this weekend touch the hearts of Canadians nationwide, inspiring reflection on the movement dedicated to advocating for Indigenous children’s rights, driving change, and honoring those affected by the residential school system.
- Unveiling Our New Monument
Unveiling Our New Monument
Join us on September 27, 2024, at 10:00 am for a profoundly meaningful event as Métis District 21 reveals Petohte Niikinahk – Coming Home, a monument dedicated to honoring the survivors and victims of the Indian residential schools in the Lesser Slave Lake Territory. 🧡
We invite all to join us in this important ceremony as we remember, honor, and support our community.
In advance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th, this unveiling is a moment to reflect on the painful legacy of Canada’s Indigenous residential schools.
Together, we honor the children who never made it home, the survivors, their families, and those who continue to seek justice and healing. This monument will stand as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and our collective journey towards healing and unity.
Date: September 27, 2024
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Town of Slave Lake Office Courtyard, #10 Main Street SW, Slave Lake
Who: Everyone is invited to attend
- Kairos Blanket Exercise
Kairos Blanket Exercise
Friday, September 27th, 2024
LIMITED ATTENDANCE | EMAIL US TO RSVP
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Friday, September 27, 2024, 1:00 pm
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Multi Recreational Centre Field House, Slave Lake
𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣: region5@metis.org
Join us for an enlightening workshop dedicated to truth, healing, and reconciliation for the past, and justice for the present. It’s a powerful step towards decolonization, fostering respect and understanding among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
- Free Movie Showing: Indian Horse
Free Movie Showing: Indian Horse
Saturday, September 28th, 2024, 2pm
𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE! Come join us at the Rex Theatre in Slave Lake to watch an adaptation of Ojibway writer Richard Wagamese’s award-winning novel Indian Horse. Please bring a non-perishable food item donation for the Food Bank. Check with the Rex Theatre for matinee show time. **Must purchase your own concession items.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗚 in Alberta along with 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 such as physical and sexual abuse, racism, and the ongoing trauma and impact of Canada’s residential school system, all of which may be triggering and difficult for viewers.
🗨️ 📽️ 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲:
“..In the late 1950’s Ontario, eight-year-old Saul Indian Horse is torn from his Ojibway family and committed to one of the notorious Catholic Residential Schools. In this oppressive environment, Saul is denied the freedom to speak his language or embrace his Indigenous heritage while he witnesses horrendous abuse at the hands of the very people entrusted with his care. Despite this, Saul finds salvation in the unlikeliest of places and favorite winter pastime — hockey. Fascinated by the game, he secretly teaches himself to play, developing a unique and rare skill. He seems to see the game in a way no other player can.”
𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺:
- Métis Hero Terry Fox
Metis Hero Terry Fox
Many Canadians know the inspiring story of Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope, but did you know that this Canadian hero is Métis? ♾️
Darrell Fox, Terry’s younger brother, proudly shares that their family only discovered their Métis heritage after the passing of their grandmother, Mary Ann Gladue, in 2001. Since then, they have been rediscovering and embracing their Métis roots, gaining a deeper understanding of their family legacy. 🌾
Genealogical research revealed that their ancestors were bison hunters from the Red River communities of St. Norbert and St. Francis Xavier in Manitoba. 🦬 Their family fled to the United States during the Red River Resistance in 1869-70, but their Métis spirit remains strong.
Every year, we celebrate Terry Fox Day to honor his remarkable Marathon of Hope, where ran over 3,000 miles despite losing a leg to cancer. His goal was to fund cancer research and find a cure. Terry’s legacy continues to inspire us all, reminding us of the power of dedication, hope, and community. 🏃♂️❤️
- Slave Lake Local #19 Meeting
Slave Lake Local #19 Meeting
The Slave Lake Local #19 Métis will host a regular meeting on Monday, October 07, 2024. The details of the meeting are located below. 🦅
Please note this meeting is not a part of the Métis District #21, but is organized and run by the Slave Lake Local #19 Métis. Should you have any questions, please reach out to Shane Combs, President of the Slave Lake Local #19 at 780-849-9312.
𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Monday, October 07, 2024
𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Métis District #31 Office, #353 Main Street North, Slave Lake
- Success Stories Form
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟭 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀!
Do you know someone in our community who has a success story worth sharing? We want to hear about it! Whether it’s a personal achievement, a career milestone, or a positive impact on our community, we want to celebrate the successes of our Métis citizens.
𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠é𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄.
Share their inspiring journey with us!
𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 that not all stories or features submitted will be shared. Our team at District 21 carefully selects content based on relevance, authenticity, and appropriateness. We strive to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone in our community. Thank you for understanding.
- Community Garden Volunteers
Call for Community Garden Volunteers
After the amazing success of our Métis Community Garden last year, we are thrilled to announce that it is now prime garden season! We are looking for volunteers to help us at the Community Garden!
Last year, thanks to incredible volunteer support, 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝟵𝟲 𝗠é𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆. 🥦🍅We’re now looking for volunteers to join us in this rewarding endeavor.
Every hour of volunteer time makes a difference! Whether you have a green thumb or simply a passion for community involvement, we welcome you to be part of this wonderful initiative. If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information, please email us at region5@metis.org. Let’s grow together and make a positive impact in our community! 🌻
- Louis Riel Day
Louis Riel Day
For one week every November, we join Métis across the nation in sharing and celebrating Louis Riel Day is held every year on November 16 across the Métis homelands. November 16 is the anniversary of Riel’s execution in 1885. During that year, Riel led Métis people in the Northwest Resistance, which was a stand against the Government of Canada because it was encroaching on Metis rights and our way-of-life. The Métis were defeated at the siege of Batoche and the Canadian government captured Riel. He was eventually put on trial where he was convicted of treason and executed. As a result, Métis people across Canada were labeled as traitors and for generations many felt the need to hide their Métis culture and heritage. Despite this oppression, many Métis people found a way to preserve their way-of-life and passed it on to current generations. Today, the strength of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is a testament to the courage of our ancestors.
- November Métis Week
November Métis Week
For one week every November, we join Métis across the nation in sharing and celebrating our culture. We work with the Town of Slave Lake to raise our flag for the month of November, host activities including an annual Open House with a Stew & Bannock luncheon, host a free Family Dinner in partnership with the Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre, and invite guests such as the Edmonton Métis Dancers.
During this week, our active Elders enjoy the Annual Métis Youth & Seniors Gatherings both locally and in Ottawa. In 2020, our Nation Elder Herb Anderson contributed to the second Tri-Council meeting in Ottawa.
- June 21 Métis Day Celebrations
June 21 Métis Day Celebrations
Every June 21, we celebrate Métis Day during National Indigenous Peoples Day. This event includes traditional games, prizes, and fun for all ages.
For children, youth, adults, parents, and elders, we celebrate any opportunity to teach and explore our unique Métis culture.
We teach pride, traditional knowledge, jigging, beading, hunting, fishing, trapping, locating and harvesting medicines, bush survival skills, and important honours like the Order of the Sash for our High School students when they graduate.
Videos
Recipes
Métis Homemade Raisin Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions
1. In a pot combine 2 cups of water, rice, and salt.
2. Cook for up to 20 mins on medium heat till water is dissolved.
3. Add sugar, milk, raisins and cinnamon.
4. Cover with lid on a lower setting than medium. (Careful not to boil)
5. Cook for up to 20 mins. Till it is thicker.
6. Mix cream, egg, vanilla extract, and butter in a separate bowl then add the pot and stir
7. Remove from heat and allow to cool off for a few mins.