August 21
About this event
Do you have questions about harvesting and your rights as an Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen?
Join us virtually August 21 at 6 p.m. MST to learn about harvesting from Otipemisiwak Métis Government Harvesting Manager, Craig Letendre! Harvesting refers to hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering and has been, and continues to be, an integral part of Métis culture and way of life. Commonly asked questions will be addressed regarding harvesting rights, harvesting areas, and how to get a harvesting card, as well as time for other questions.
If you have any questions, please reach out to climate@metis.org.
About the Environment & Climate Change Speaker Spotlight
The Environment & Climate Change Speaker Spotlight is an initiative inviting Métis community members and industry professionals to share their skills and knowledge. The goal of this project is to provide a sense of community for Métis people and information on climate change, climate action, and the protection of environment. Each spotlight will offer a new topic based on previous Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizen feedback.
About the speaker
Craig Letendre
Craig Letendre is a lifelong Métis Citizen from the historic Métis community of Lac Ste. Anne, where he and his wife Heidi raised their children, Joshua and Kirsten, and where he still resides with his wife.
Craig was raised by his grandparents, Art and Sue Letendre, in Gunn, Alberta, on the east shore of Lac Ste. Anne. Craig is a 6th generation Métis harvester from Lac Ste. Anne and learned to harvest at a very young age from his grandfather Art to help provide for the family. Craig grew up fishing and setting gill nets with his grandfather, who was a commercial fisherman, fishing various lakes across Alberta. Craig is still an active harvester and has passed down his harvesting knowledge to his children, Joshua and Kirsten, who are also active harvesters. Craig also loves teaching Métis Citizens how to set nets and fish at the Frosty Reels Family Fishing Camps held every spring, and at other Métis events.
He loves hunting ducks, but says moose is his wild game of choice. Craig also advises that walleye is still one of the best eating fish this world has to offer.
“My grandparents were the ones who instilled in me a good work ethic and the importance of being Métis and being a part of the Métis community.”
Craig was very involved in Gunn Métis Local 55, and Region 4 Regional Council as a youth. Craig started working for the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) as the Harvesting Manager in the Fall of 2018 and says, “It gives me a great sense of pride working for the MNA and working for our Métis Citizens on the Harvesting file.”
