Otipemisiwak Métis Government Launches Métis Housing Needs Assessment: A Call for Community Participation
Posted on: Jan 16, 2025
For Immediate Release
Edmonton, AB – January 16, 2025 – The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is launching this year’s Métis Housing Needs Assessment, aimed at improving housing options and services for citizens across Alberta. This initiative, led by the Métis Capital Housing Corporation and funded by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, is an essential step towards creating housing solutions that respect and reflect the unique culture of the Métis community.
“The Métis Housing Needs Assessment is a vital tool that will help us understand the specific housing challenges faced by our citizens,” said Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “Our goal is to ensure that housing options are not only available but are designed in a way that honours our culture and meets the needs of all Métis families. It’s crucial that our community members participate in this process so that we can advocate for the right resources and support.”
As part of the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with Indigenous partners, this project will support the co-development of an urban, rural, and northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. The strategy is part of the broader National Housing Strategy and will help inform the allocation of funding, with a focus on long-term agreements with Indigenous Services Canada.
“We are working alongside Three Hive Consulting, a Métis-owned organization, to ensure the engagement process is guided by a deep understanding of our community’s unique housing needs,” said Valerie Quintal, Secretary of Housing and Infrastructure for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “The feedback we gather through in-person sessions and our survey will be instrumental in shaping future housing policies. We want to hear from all community members.”
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is hosting several community sessions across Alberta to engage with Métis Citizens directly. These sessions will provide an opportunity for open dialogue and community-driven solutions on housing needs, potential partnerships, and funding governance.
“The success of this initiative depends on the active involvement of our citizens,” added Sandmaier. “We encourage all Métis community members to participate in these sessions and complete the Métis Housing Needs Survey. Your input will directly influence how funding is allocated and help shape the future of Métis housing in Alberta.”
Session Dates and Locations:
- Grande Prairie: January 18 at the Grande Prairie & District Golden Age Centre, 10222 101 Ave
- Fort McMurray: February 1 at McMurray Métis, 441 Sakitawaw Trail
- Bonnyville: February 8 at the Bonnyville Centennial Centre, 4313 50 Ave
- Red Deer: February 15 at the Hampton Inn, 128 Leva Ave
- Lethbridge: February 22 at the Holiday Inn Express, 217 41 St S
- Slave Lake: March 1 at the Royal Canadian Legion, 400 Main St NW
RSVP:
Survey link:
Otipemisiwak Métis Government | Métis Housing
We encourage Citizens who are unable to attend the in-person sessions to join the conversation by filling out the survey.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kenny Trenton, Press Secretary, Otipemisiwak Métis Government
Phone: 780-455-2200
Email: ktrenton@metis.org