Culture & Events
Events
- Book Launch
Book Launch: The Bear’s Gift
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of “The Bear’s Gift,” a children’s book!
The writing is based on stories from our elders, with guidance from the District 21 Otipemisiwak Métis Government. Illustrated by Angie Saltman, this book tells the story of a young girl who learns what it means to be a part of her Métis community.
A limited supply will be available for purchase ($20 cash) at the book launch:
📅Friday, June 21
🕓10 am – 2 pm
- 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.
- National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
On this day, we honor and recognize the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We invite everyone to join us in participating in the local events and activities organized to mark this special occasion.
This is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions and to show our support for Indigenous authors, musicians, artists, and businesses. Let us celebrate the unique and beautiful diversity of Indigenous peoples and continue to work towards building stronger relationships and communities. 💙
Let us celebrate the unique and beautiful diversity of Indigenous peoples and continue to work towards building stronger relationships and communities. 💙 We hope that you will take this opportunity to learn, celebrate, and show your support.
We will be closed after 2:00 pm (After the Bear’s Gift Book Launch) and will see you Monday, June 24, 2024!
- Pride Month
Pride Month 2024
𝗪𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝟮𝗦𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤𝗤𝗜𝗔+ 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀.
Your presence enriches us, and we commit to honoring and cherishing your unique talents each and every day. Before colonization, Two-Spirit people held many highly valued roles within the community.
Celebrate your pride, for you are cherished, loved, and embraced with unwavering support in our vibrant Métis District 21 community. 🏳️🌈 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵! 🌈♾️
- Closed Canada Day 2024
♾️ 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 🍁💙
Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend! Our office will be closed on Monday, July 1, 2024, in observance of the holiday. We’ll be back and ready to assist you on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Take care and enjoy your time off!
- Youth Culture Camp
Youth Culture Camp
Registration is now open!
𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽 hosted by Métis District 21, happening from July 29 to August 02, 2024! 🎉
Our camp promises an enriching experience filled with cultural activities, learning sessions, and fun adventures. Make sure to follow our social media channels for all the latest updates!
- Congrats Grads 2024
Congratulations 2024 Graduates
🎓✨ Congratulations to the 2024 Graduates from our District! 🎉
We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you for reaching this milestone. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, and we can’t wait to see what amazing plans and adventures lie ahead for you. We invite you to share your stories and experiences with us—whether you have a moment to pop in or just want to drop us a message.
Your journey is just beginning, and we’re excited to support you every step of the way. Best of luck in all your future endeavors! 💙
- Tipi Raising
Tipi Raising with Slave Lake Veneer
♾️ Thank You, West Fraser – Slave Lake Veneer! 💙
Our team was honored to be invited to your Tipi Raising event. It was an incredible experience, and we are grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful cultural tradition. Please read what they had to say about their event by clicking the “Read More Here” button and join us in celebrating this wonderful occasion.
- Community Garden Working Bee & BBQ
Community Garden Working Bee & BBQ
🌿 What a wonderful evening we had at our Community Garden Working Bee & BBQ! 🌿
Despite having to reschedule twice due to rainy weather, we were thrilled to finally get out to the garden and plant all our beds. We shared laughs, good conversations, and delicious BBQ burgers.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers who came down to get messy and help us plant. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Last year, thanks to your incredible support, we were able to provide fresh produce to 96 Métis families through our community garden giveaway. 🥦🍅
Here’s to another successful growing season!
- 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! 🌻
- Traditional Plant Walk
Traditional Plant Walk with Wasakam
🌿 Nature Walk Event at Devonshire – A Wonderful Experience! 🌿 We had an amazing time at our Nature Walk Event! Thank you to everyone who joined us and embarked on this three-hour guided walk with Métis cultural educator Wâsakâm. We learned so much about traditionally utilized plants, their cultural significance, and their many uses. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the plants around us. Stay tuned for more events like this, and thank you for your participation! 🌸🍃
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.