President's Corner
Posted on: Jun 27, 2024
Dear Citizens,
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Alberta Métis Fest 2024 to celebrate our Métis culture, heritage, and community spirit. This event was a wonderful example of our unique traditions and the resilience that defines us.
Throughout the festivities, over 3000 Citizens and guests came together to enjoy music, dance, and delicious food, reflecting on our journey from the early days of our ancestors to the thriving communities we are today. Our history is intertwined with Alberta’s story and the broader Métis Nation Homeland, spanning across provinces and territories.
This year’s festival will always have special significance as we celebrated not only another year of progress but also the inaugural year of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. This milestone underscores our collective achievements and the strength of our self-governance.
A special thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and performers, whose tireless efforts, hard work, and dedication made this event a huge success.
Our celebrations at Métis Crossing last week, where our ancestors gathered and thrived, will always serve as a reminder of our deep roots and the importance of this land to our celebrations.
This summer, I encourage you all to continue to explore our history. Recently, the North Saskatchewan River was declared a Canadian Heritage River by both federal and provincial governments. This heritage designation flows through Alberta and covers 718 kilometres, including Edmonton’s river valley, recognizing its cultural and recreational significance.
Spearheaded by Smoky Lake County and supported by Métis and First Nation leaders and municipalities, this achievement underscores our commitment to preserving this historic waterway. If you aren’t already doing so, please take some time to paddle on the river this summer, as our ancestors have done since the 1600s.
Together, we are strong, resilient, and united as Métis.
Thank you for your continued support, and participation, and if you couldn’t attend Métis Fest this year, be sure to come out for the festivities next year!
Warm regards,
Andrea Sandmaier
President
Otipemisiwak Métis Government