Friday Night Métis Jamboree
Kick off Alberta Métis Fest at our Friday Night Métis Jamboree featuring Rockin’ Fiddle along with performances by Lee and Michelle Arcand!
Stick around Friday evening after BINGO and the fish fry for an evening of toe-tapping tunes and good vibes. We are also opening up the stage for Open Mic Karaoke so bring your voice and join the fun!
Cultural Activities
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to present a series of interactive cultural workshops that highlight the very best of Métis knowledge, traditions, and ways of life. Led by skilled Knowledge Holders from across Alberta, these hands-on experiences invite participants to learn, engage, and connect with Métis culture in meaningful and memorable ways. Cultural activities will take place on Saturday June 13th, from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Michif Scavenger Hunt
Join Esther Auger for a fun and interactive way to learn Michif! Practice words that describe the world around you, then put your knowledge to the test in a scavenger hunt across the festival grounds. Each clue builds on what you’ve learned, guiding you through cultural spaces and ending with a chance to win a prize.
Voyageur Games
Test your strength and skill in traditional voyageur-style games with John Ritchie. From log toss to templine challenges, these interactive activities are rooted in the daily lives of Métis voyageurs. Learn the stories behind the games and take part in friendly competition across multiple age categories.
Fish Scale Art
Create your own piece of Métis art with Keith Grant. Learn how fish scales are harvested, cleaned, and dyed before transforming them into beautiful designs. Participants will craft a unique magnet to take home, gaining insight into a delicate and sustainable art form passed down through generations.
Plant Dyes Workshop
Discover how natural plant dyes were traditionally used to bring colour and beauty into everyday life. Led by Alexa Lizotte and Grace Ann Grant, this hands-on workshop introduces participants to local plants and their uses, followed by the opportunity to dye your own cotton bag to take home—along with knowledge to continue exploring this vibrant practice.
Traditional Tea Teachings
Join Norris Lacombe to explore the world of traditional Métis plant medicines. Through guided teachings and shared conversation, participants will learn about the plants used in medicinal teas while enjoying a warm cup prepared from hand-harvested ingredients. A grounding and restorative experience for all.
This session runs every hour from 11 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Hide Tanning Demonstration
Explore the traditional art of hide tanning with Les Skinner. Participants will see and feel hides at various stages of the process and try their hand at scraping techniques. With insights shared in both English and Michif, this demonstration offers a deeper appreciation for the skill, patience, and cultural significance behind this essential practice.
Dry Meat Station
The traditional process of hide tanning is an important skill that honours the animal, connects us to culture, and transforms a hide into valuable materials for a wide range of uses. From fleshing and dry scraping to braining and smoking, each stage requires different skills and tools, offering participants hands-on opportunities to explore some tanning techniques and learn from a variety of hides.
Storytelling & Land-Based Teachings
Join Métis storyteller Jamie Chalifoux for an engaging and reflective experience rooted in story and connection to the land. Through traditional storytelling and guided conversation, participants are invited to listen, share, and reflect on teachings that carry important lessons and cultural knowledge.
Gold Panning & Rock, Mineral & Fossil Exploration
Join Métis geoscientist Keith Diakiw for a hands-on exploration of both gold panning and the fascinating world of rocks, minerals, and fossils. Participants will learn to pan for gold using authentic tools and techniques while discovering how to identify real gold from fool’s gold and other materials. They will also handle and examine a unique collection of specimens, learning how to sort, test, and classify them based on their physical properties. This interactive workshop blends science, history, and Métis knowledge for an engaging experience that sparks curiosity and discovery.
ALBERTA MÉTIS FEST JIGGING COMPETITION
Jigging Competition | 4:30 P.M.
Our incredibly popular jigging competition is returning to Alberta Métis Fest! Join us on Saturday, June 13th, 2026, and register by 4:00 PM at Métis Crossing for your chance to showcase your Métis pride, celebrate culture, and compete for exciting cash prizes. Don’t miss this high-energy highlight of the festival! Be sure to read or download our jigging competition rules below before you hit the floor!
CONTEST RULES & REGULATIONS
Eligibility
The competition is open to all citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and self-identifying Métis. Employees of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, their affiliates, advertising and promotional agencies, service providers, performers and judges are not eligible to enter the competition or to win a prize.
Jigging (Red River Jig) Competition Categories
- Mini Métis: 0 to 6 years of age
- Juniors between 7 and 11 years of age
- Youth between 12 and 17 years of age
- Adults between 18 and 59 years of age
- Senior age category 60 years of age and older
-> VIEW FULL COMPETITION RULES
Oskâyak (Youth) Club Stage
New this year, we’re excited to introduce a second stage: the Oskâyak (Youth) Club! Featuring family events, including CFS and youth programming, and music performances throughout the day.
| Time | Activity | |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Just Jig | Learn some jiggin basics, join the fun, and dance along with the crowd! |
| 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. | Performances | Darla Daniels, Erin Berland, and Grime N’ Punishment |
| 12:30 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. | Spoon Jam | Join in for lively spoon playing, music, rhythm, and Métis fun! |
| 1:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. | Performances | Alex Kusturok and Robbie Fraser |
| 1:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. | Just Jig | Learn some jiggin basics, join the fun, and dance along with the crowd! |
| 2:00 P.M. – 2:45 P.M. | Performances | Robin Cisek and Luc Gauthier |
| 2:45 P.M. – 3:15 P.M. | Spoon Jam | Join in for lively spoon playing, music, rhythm, and Métis fun! |
| 3:15 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. | Youth Anthology Panel | Join us for a special panel discussion exploring Kiiyano Acimowina, an upcoming poetry anthology amplifying the voices, stories, and creativity of Métis youth! |
Children’s Activities
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. | Face Painting |
| 11:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. | Story Circle |
| 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M. | Bubble Bash |
| 2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. | Story Circle |
| 3:30 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. | Bubble Bash |
Drop-In Activities | 11 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Métis Makers Space • Lawn & Voyageur Games • Sensory Tent • Mobile Library • Red River Relay
Youth Activities
Visit the Youth Programs & Services area on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a full day of youth-focused fun! Drop in anytime to enjoy creative and interactive activities, including tallow salve making with medicinal infusion, dot art, colouring sheets, and lawn games. With plenty to make, play, and explore, it’s a space designed for connection, creativity, and enjoyment throughout the day.
Drop-In Activities | 11 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Tallow Salve Making • Dot Art • Colouring Sheets • Lawn Games
Harvesting Activities
Join the Harvesting Department for a hands-on fish filleting workshop! Learn how to fillet a fish, explore Métis harvesting rights, get tips on registering as a harvester, and discover the history of the gill net.
Fish Fillet Demo and Gill Net History | 11 A.M. & 2 P.M.
Environment Bird Walk
Join us for a guided bird walk! Whether you are a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, come explore the diverse avian life in our local ecosystem. We’ll practice identification by sight and sound while discussing the habitats that support our local species at risk. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them! Please meet at the Outdoor Classroom by the river.
Drop-in Meeting Times | 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. & 1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Vendor Market & Info Fair
Explore a vibrant Vendor Market showcasing unique, handcrafted goods created by talented Métis artists from across the province. From intricate beadwork to beautifully made Ribbon Skirts, there is something for everyone to discover. Browse, connect, and support local makers while celebrating Métis artistry and craftsmanship. Plus be sure to also visit the many department and organization information booths to learn more about the programs, services, and opportunities available within the Métis community.
