Métis Fest Events

Jump down to: Interpretive Activities | Childrens Activities | Youth Activities | Harvesting Activities | Environment Bird Walk

Interpretive Activities – June 14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Métis Crossing strives to share the distinct Indigenous story of the Métis people through experiential or hands-on cultural experiences. Our cultural experiences provide opportunities for unique interactions on the land sharing Métis ways of life with visitors.

For Alberta Métis Fest we have invited Métis Experience Providers from across Alberta to share and celebrate Métis traditions and culture with you.

Hide Tanning Demonstration

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.

Leather Crafting

Dive into the timeless art of leather crafting with our introductory workshop designed specifically for beginners. Throughout this hands-on program, participants will learn the essential skills and techniques needed to create beautiful leather goods from scratch.

The workshop will cover the basics of working with leather, including understanding different types of leather, essential tools and materials, and safety precautions.

Participants will have the opportunity to practice fundamental techniques such as cutting, stitching, and edge finishing, gradually building their confidence and proficiency.

By the end of the workshop, beginners will have gained a solid foundation in leather crafting and completed their first handmade leather creations, ready to embark on further exploration and mastery of this rewarding craft. Join us and unlock your creativity with leather crafting!

Moose Meat Smoking

Join Ron Quintal for a traditional Métis culinary experience as he smokes moose meat using time-honoured techniques. Participants will learn about the importance of moose hunting in Métis culture and the art of preserving meat through smoking. Discover the flavors and aromas of smoked moose meat while gaining insight into Métis hunting traditions and culinary practices.

Archery/Slingshots

Step into the shoes of traditional Métis hunters as you learn the art of archery. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, participants will have the opportunity to practice their aim and technique with bows and arrows. Discover the significance of archery in Métis culture, where it was once a vital skill for survival and sustenance.

Buffalo Camp

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a traditional Métis buffalo camp, where life revolved around the hunt and the buffalo provided sustenance, clothing, and shelter.

Explore replicas of traditional dwellings, hear stories of Métis hunters and their deep connection to the land and the buffalo, and gain insight into the cultural practices and traditions of buffalo hunting.

Life on a River Lot Homestead

Step back in time and explore the daily life of Métis families on the river lot. Visit a recreated river lot home and see firsthand how Métis families lived, worked, and thrived along Alberta’s waterways. Gain insight into traditional Métis architecture, household chores, and domestic activities that were integral to river lot life.

Traditional Skills – Shelter Building

Shelter building will involve learning some basic knots, a short discussion on materials and types of shelters and then setting up a tarp shelter.

Bannock Making

Bannock was originally brought to Canada by the Scottish explorers and traders. Indigenous and Métis people adopted this style of bread over the 18th and 19th centuries, once upon a time corn flour and plants were used in place of wheat.

We still use this method of traditional Bannock making today.

Fish Scale Art

Delve into the world of Métis artistry with fish scale art, a traditional craft that dates back generations. Participants will have the opportunity to create stunning works of art using fish scales, a unique and sustainable material. Learn various techniques and designs inspired by Métis culture and create your own masterpiece to take home as a memento of the experience.

Veterans Monument

The Métis Veterans Monument stands as a powerful tribute to the brave Métis men and women who served in Canada’s armed forces. More than a marker of military service, it honours a legacy of couage, sacrifice, and unshakable identity. As you stand before the monument, you are invited to reflect on the stories of those who fought for a country that did not always fight for them—individuals who carried the strength of their ancestors and the pride of their Nation into every battle.

This monument is a symbol of recognition long overdue, and a place for all generations to remember, learn, and give thanks. It reminds us that Métis contributions to Canada’s history are not just chapters in the past—they are living stories that continue to shape our shared future.

Art Show: Ron Dominique Métis Elder

Ron Dominique is a celebrated Métis artist whose work breathes life into traditional Métis culture through intricate and thought-provoking imagery. Drawing inspiration from the land, stories, and daily rhythms of Métis life, Dominique’s art is a layered experience—each piece inviting viewers to look deeper. Hidden within his vivid brushstrokes are animals, spirits, and symbols that reflect the interconnectedness of all living things, and the oral traditions passed down through generations. With a style that blends realism, abstraction, and storytelling, Ron Dominique offers more than just a visual experience—his work is a journey into the heart of Métis identity.

Children’s Activities – June 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn to Jig!	11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Reading of “I am Métis”	1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Bubble Party	2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Learn to Jig!	4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Youth Activities – June 14, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Voyageur Games Relay Races

11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Drop-In Activitites

Beaded Lanyard and Sash Kits • Yarn Tufting • Colouring Sheets & Fans

Harvesting Activities – June 14

Fish Fillet Demo and Gill Net History

10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., & 3 p.m.

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.

Environment Bird Walk – June 14

Drop-in Meeting Times