Statement from President Andrea Sandmaier on the Fort Vermilion Truth and Reconciliation Crosswalk and Mural
Posted on: Sep 30, 2025
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is disappointed by Mackenzie County Council’s recent decision to deny the repainting of the Truth and Reconciliation crosswalk in Fort Vermilion. This crosswalk was first painted in 2022 by Métis Citizen, Judy Ducharme, with the County Council’s approval at the time. The decision and its rationale sends a difficult message to Survivors and families who continue to carry the weight of residential schools and colonial policies.
But from that disappointment, something powerful has been built. Through collaboration with Fort Vermilion Métis District Representative, Bobbi Paul-Alook, Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, and the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, a new Every Child Matters mural and flag now stands at the site of the former St. Mary’s School.
“On behalf of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, I want to commend Representative Paul-Alook, Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, and those who helped paint the Every Child Matters mural and raised the flag at the site. Their actions show us the healing and the power that can come from working together as Indigenous Peoples to honour our shared histories and to build communities where every child is valued,” said Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “As Métis people, we will always carry the stories of our ancestors, the truths of residential schools, and our responsibility to ensure that the next generation grows up in a country that chooses unity and respect over division.”
“While I am deeply disappointed by Mackenzie County Council’s unanimous decision to deny the repainting of the existing Every Child Matters crosswalk, we were still able to turn a challenging situation into a positive outcome. This experience has taught me a valuable lesson about truth and reconciliation and about not giving up or giving in to frustration when our neighbours, community partners, or municipalities are not yet ready to walk that path with us,” said Bobbi Paul-Alook, Citizens’ Representative for Fort Vermilion Métis District.
“I want to sincerely thank the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division for their support in allowing us to use the former St. Mary’s School site for a mural, and for their ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Grand Chief Mercredi for his support. As Indigenous people, we are all connected; and when it comes to the painful legacy of the Indian Residential School system, we are all affected. For me this mural is not only a tribute to honour residential school Survivors and remember those who did not make it home, it is an example of how coming together as Indigenous people and uniting around shared priorities can lead to meaningful action and healing.”