Archive for June, 2018

TO: MNA Citizens, Locals, Regions and Provincial Council
FROM: Audrey Poitras, MNA President
DATE: June 25, 2018
RE: Step 2: Construction of Métis Cultural Gathering Centre – Opportunities for Métis Contractors/Individuals/Suppliers

Good Afternoon,
I am pleased to follow-up on my previous memo dated May 16, 2018. Seven General Contractors have been invited to bid on the construction of our Métis Crossing Cultural Gathering Centre. As outlined in Step 2 of that memo, below is the list of GCs, along with the contact information. Please share this information with interested Métis contractors, individuals and suppliers within your regions or networks, and encourage them to contact one the GCs directly.

General Contractors invited to bid on the construction of the Metis Crossing Cultural Gathering Centre

The Métis Crossing Advisory Committee (MCAC) has allocated 20/100 possible scoring points within the tender evaluation process to the Métis involvement in the final bids of each GC; it is a priority. Final bid packages are due from the General Contractors by July 3, 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact Juanita Marois, the Métis Crossing Development Manager
at jmarois@metis.org.

Respectfully,
Audrey Poitras,
President, Métis Nation of Alberta

June 26, 2018 (Edmonton, AB) The Ministry of Health, Children, and Youth, at the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) provincial head office, is excited to announce the allocation of two (2) suites in the Métis Capital Housing Corporation (MCHC) Renaissance Tower for citizens travelling to Edmonton for medically necessary appointments or treatment.

A one-bedroom suite and a two-bedroom barrier-free suite are available for MNA citizens traveling from communities across the province to access health care services in Edmonton. Citizens applying for this service will have access to safe, reliable, and culturally-appropriate accommodations, free of charge, for medically necessary travel.

The Ministry of Health, Children, and Youth is committed to developing and providing programs and services that aim to reduce existing barriers to accessing health care services, and aid in improving the overall health outcomes of Métis Albertans.

This program aims to assist low-income citizens who are especially impacted by medically-necessary travel. Many of our citizens are not able to afford a trip to Edmonton and forgo important and necessary medical treatment for that reason. Those who can make the trip often face considerable financial hardship while paying out-of-pocket for travel and accommodations.

Citizens wishing to access this program and book accommodations must meet the defined criteria and are required to submit an application. The cost of travel to, from, and within the city of Edmonton is not included in this program at this time. Application packages can be found at http://albertametis.com/medical-accommodations or by contacting your regional office. 

If you have any questions about this program, please call 780-455-2200 Ext. 249 or email us at health@metis.org.

To download a copy of our release, click here.

Show slideshow

Photo: (l-r) Métis Nation Saskatchewan President, Glen McCallum; Métis Nation Ontario President, Margaret Froh; Manitoba Métis Federation President, David Chartrand; Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Patricia Hajdu; Métis National Council President, Clément Chartier; Métis Nation of Alberta President, Audrey Poitras, and;
Métis Nation British Columbia President, Clara Morin Dal Col.

June 19, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) The Métis Nation of Alberta is pleased to announce the signing of the Métis Nation Skills and Employment Accord between the leaders of the Métis Nation of Canada and the Government of Canada on Friday, June 15, 2018.

The Métis Nation Skills and Employment Accord provides all parties a framework for jointly implementing the new Métis National Labour Market Strategy. The strategy focuses on enhanced employment services, skills development, and job training to improve the overall well-being of the Métis Nation. This Accord marks the first sub-accord under the Canada-Métis Nation Accord signed by the Prime Minister of Canada and Métis Nation leadership on April 13, 2017.

The signing of the Accord comes after the federal government made a commitment of more than $625 million over 10 years for the Métis Nation stream of the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program in the 2018 budget. The program replaces the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.

Quick Facts:

• The Métis Nation is represented by the Métis National Council and its governing members: the Métis Nation of Ontario, Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Alberta, and Métis Nation British Columbia.
• Budget 2018 also provides $516 million in funding over 10 years to respond to the unique needs and concerns of the Métis Nation, including:
  • $500 million over 10 years to support a Métis Nation housing strategy
  • $10 million in 2018-19 to support Métis Nation post-secondary education
  • $6 million over five years to support the Métis Nation in gathering health data and developing a health strategy

Quotes:

“The signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord last year was the first step toward a renewed relationship with the Métis Nation. These meetings provide an important opportunity to hear directly from leaders of the Métis Nation about their unique needs and concerns. We will continue to work together with the Métis Nation as partners to address these needs, and strengthen the Canada-Métis Nation relationship for the benefit of our country and all Canadians.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“The Canada-Métis Nation Accord is enabling the Métis Nation to make significant strides toward our social and economic development. We look forward to working with the Prime Minister and his ministers on this year’s priorities.”
—Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council

“Today’s meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau was positive, and I thank him for his commitment to a distinctions-based approach. The work we are doing nationally will benefit Métis citizens in Alberta.”
—Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta

To download a copy of the Accord, click here.

Are you a Métis cancer patient, survivor, or a family member of someone with cancer? Share your stories and experiences in a supportive, small group environment as part of a research study that will help Métis Albertans on their cancer journeys. We will be creating a Métis-specific resource to be given to newly diagnosed cancer patients.

Details
Date: Saturday, July 14, 2018
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: MNA Provincial Head Office, #100-11738 Kingsway NW, Edmonton AB

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. All registered participants will be reimbursed for mileage & receive an honorarium. If travelling from out of town, accommodations will be provided. Citizen ID, name, & contact information MUST be provided to register and receive reimbursement.

Limited spots are available. To register, please contact Heather Curtis at hcurtis@metis.org or call 780-455-2200 Ext. 326.

For more details, download our poster.

Be safe and learn about non-restricted firearms safety!

MNA Region 2 is offering the Non-Restricted Certified Canadian Firearms Safety Course, taught by Métis instructor Shelly Reddon on September 8. This course is required to apply for a Possession & Acquisition Licence (PAL) to own firearms and ammunition for harvesting purposes. Participation is free for Métis citizens, but is limited to citizens ages 12 and up.

Details
Date: Saturday, September 8, 2018
Time: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: A.C.F.A. Hall, 4904 50 Street, Bonnyville, AB

Please bring one piece of government-issued photo ID.

To apply, provide your Citizen ID, name, birth date, address and contact info to Christine Dyck 780-455-2200 ext. 249 or email youth@metis.org

Upcoming
No dates scheduled.

Past
June 16: Region 4 (Edmonton)
August 18: Region 3 (Calgary)
September 8: Region 2 (Bonnyville)

Take a trip to Batoche, Saskatchewan on July 19 – 22 for a cultural weekend celebrating Métis heritage. Enjoy exciting events at the Back to Batoche Festival Grounds like chuckwagon and chariot races; jigging, horseshoe, and bannock competitions; as well as a variety of artisan goods and crafts.

Special activities will be available at both the Batoche National Historic Site, and the Back to Batoche Festival Grounds located 1 kilometre north of Batoche.

Details
Date: Thursday, July 19 to Sunday, July 22, 2018
Location: Batoche National Historic Site and Batoche Festival Grounds, one hour north of Saskatoon or one hour south of Prince Albert, located on Highway 225, Batoche, SK, S0K 3R0 

For further details, go to Back To Batoche Festival, phone +1-306-423-6227 or email batoche.info@pc.gc.ca

Join us for an educational evening about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This presentation is for everyone, including individuals with FASD, caregivers, and people interested in learning more about FASD. 

The FASD workshop will provide you with:

• A basic understanding of FASD
• Tools for prevention
• Strategies to manage FASD stigma
• Available community resources
• Ways to support individuals living with FASD
• Opportunities to connect

Details
Date: Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: MNA Provincial Head Office, #100-11738 Kingsway NW, Edmonton AB

To register, visit mnaASD101.eventbrite.com or contact Amber Yarmuch at 780-455-2200 Ext. 408
by Tuesday, June 26. 
Unable to join us in person? Watch us live on facebook.com/ABMetis/

Download our poster for more details.

 Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at Métis Crossing. Experience voyageur canoe rides, jigging contests, vendors & artisans, and entertainment by the Métis Child and Family Dancers and Nicely Put Together Band.

Details
Date: Saturday, June 23, 2018
Time: 11 am – 6 pm 
Location: Métis Crossing, 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake AB

For more information, call 780-656-2229 or email metiscrossing@metis.org
For more event details, download our poster.

Become a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta and get access to cultural enrichment programs, scholarships and skills training, housing, and more.

Bring your completed citizen application form to our upcoming event or get assistance filling out the form from our Registry team.

Cold Lake
Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Time: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Canadian Tire parking lot (look for the Rupertsland Institute Mobile Unit), 6703 51 Street, Cold Lake AB

Lloydminster
Date: Thursday, October 18, 2018
Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Location: Lloydminster City Hall (look for the Rupertsland Institute Mobile Unit), 4420 50 Avenue, Lloydminster AB

Valleyview
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm 
Location: Polar Palace Hockey Arena (Swanson Room), 4429 52 Avenue, Valleyview AB

Grande Cache
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2018
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm 
Location: Métis Nation Centre, 3300 Pine Plaza, Grande Cache AB

Slave Lake
Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Location: Northern Lakes College (look for the Rupertsland Institute Mobile Unit), 1201 Main Street SE, Slave Lake AB

Wabasca
Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Time: 11 am – 2 pm
Location: Downtown Wabasca (look for the Rupertsland Institute Mobile Unit), Wabasca AB

Drayton Valley
Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm
Location: Beehive Support Services Association, 5056 50 Avenue, Drayton Valley AB

For more information about required documents, see our Guidelines.