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A treaty is a formal agreement between the Crown, as represented by the Government of Canada, and an Indigenous Government. It is a legally binding, nation-to-nation agreement that affirms the rights, responsibilities, and relationships between the Canadian Government and Indigenous nations.

• Our self-government agreement, which was signed in 2023, recognizes that the Métis Nation within Alberta has an inherent right to self-government recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. It recognizes that the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has jurisdiction over its internal and core governance matters, including Citizenship, elections and administration. It also formalizes our Métis government as an Indigenous governing body.
• This agreement has charted a path forward to putting into place an enduring, nation-to-nation, government-to-government relationship with Canada through a modern-day treaty.
• Our Otipemisiwak Treaty will officially recognize our right to self-determination regardless of any extenuating factors, such as a change in political power within the Federal Government.

• Historic treaties, also known as “Numbered Treaties (e.g. Treaty 7),” were signed in the 18^th and 19^th centuries and focused on the transfer of land and resources to the Crown in exchange for certain rights and benefits.
• Modern-day treaties, on the other hand, focus on self-government and the long-term protection of Indigenous rights in a way that reflects the current legal and political environment.
• While historic treaties primarily addressed land and resources, modern-day treaties are more comprehensive, addressing governance, resources, culture, and rights in ways that were not included in older treaties.

Historic treaties

• These treaties focused on the transfer of land and resources to the Crown in exchange for certain rights and benefits, including hunting and fishing provisions and reserve lands.
• These treaties were negotiated through formal treaty-making processes and covered vast territories. They were agreed upon through verbal discussions before being documented in writing.
• Over time, treaty interpretation has been subject to legal debates, with Indigenous communities frequently asserting the agreements were unfairly negotiated or misunderstood.

Modern-day treaties

• Modern-day treaties are negotiated within the current legal and constitutional frameworks of Canada, including the rights set out in the Constitution Act, 1982 and international standards like the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• These treaties focus on ensuring Indigenous self-government, resource management, cultural preservation, and other social benefits.
• The negotiation process for modern-day treaties is often more collaborative, including representation from Indigenous nations and governments representing the Crown.
• Modern-day treaties in the context of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government are not land or regionally-based and will aim to reconcile Indigenous rights and interests with broader societal interests, promoting self-determination and Indigenous governance.
• While historic treaties laid the foundation for Indigenous-Crown relations in Canada, modern-day treaties reflect the evolution of both Indigenous Nations and Canada.
• The purpose of a modern-day treaty is to affirm the rights of Indigenous peoples, not just to recognize those rights, but to protect them under Canadian law for the long term.

• The 2023 agreement included a commitment to negotiate a self-government treaty between the Métis Nation within Alberta and Canada within two years.
• These agreements are not symbolic – they are the foundation for securing a brighter future for our Citizens, grounded in our inherent and Section 35 rights as Métis.
• Canada has made commitments to reconciliation, and we need to ensure Canada honours those commitments. That’s why we are continuing to negotiate and advance our modern-day Otipemisiwak Treaty.

For too long, our people have been left out and forgotten. Our ancestors were not included in the numbered treaties. Instead, they were forced into the scrip process, a broken, discriminatory system rife with fraud which failed to recognize our rights or protect our Homeland. A modern-day Otipemisiwak Treaty will finally ensure that our self-government is not only recognized but protected under Canada’s constitution.

No. Métis Citizens will still be subject to taxation laws.

Our Constitution, ratified as part of the largest Indigenous ratification vote undertaken in Canadian history, will continue to govern our Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

A modern-day Otipemisiwak Treaty will not change the structure, rules or processes of our Métis Government. Instead, it will finally ensure that our self-government is not only recognized but protected.

• The Otipemisiwak Métis Government continues to negotiate with the federal government on the development of a modern-day Otipemisiwak Treaty.
• We are currently working with the Government of Canada to update our Self-Government agreement and are calling on them to expedite the process so we can move forward toward reaching a modern-day Otipemisiwak Treaty.
• As we progress, consultations will be held with Citizens, and once a draft Otipemisiwak Treaty is initialled it will be brought to Citizens and potentially impacted groups for consultation.
• Following consultations, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government will undertake a province-wide ratification vote on the Otipemisiwak Treaty. All Citizens over 16 years of age will be eligible to vote.
• Once the Otipemisiwak Treaty is ratified, representatives of Canada and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government will sign the ratified treaty. Legislation will then be tabled in the House of Commons to give legal force and effect to the Otipemisiwak Treaty and make it binding on all governments and third parties.
• When dates are determined for each of these steps they will be communicated to Métis Citizens.

• As a result of the 2025 prorogation of Parliament, Bill C-53 ceased to exist as proposed Canadian legislation. A new Bill will need to be introduced per our legally-binding self-government agreement.
• In December 2024, President Sandmaier met with Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree to discuss our ongoing efforts to strengthen our government-to-government relationship with Canada.
• In that meeting, the Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to working with our government to advance Métis self-determination and self-government.
• Our self-government journey is not tied to the outcome of any single piece of legislation, and we will continue to move forward with the formal recognition of our inherent rights to self-determination and self-government through our own modern-day Otipemisiwak Treaty.

Our treaty is not expected to impact Harvesting Rights.

No. There will be no land claims associated with our treaty.

No. Our Constitution clearly defines the role of District Councils and District Captains. Our Otipemisiwak Treaty will recognize the laws laid out in our Constitution and our right to create our own government structures and systems.

MNA Citizens can register through an online form and be entered into a randomized draw to receive a Bee Kit as a Native Bee Conservation Program participant. The registration form typically opens early in the new year, around February.

1. Installing your bee nesting box on your property in the spring (ideally by early May)
2. Planting the provided native wildflowers on your property to provide the bees with a food source (or have wildflowers of your own available)
3. Cleaning your bee nesting box each year so that it stays safe for future bee residents
4. Filling out an online form to report back on the native bee activity in your area and your participation in the program each year

Yes! Lots of participants have told us that everyone in their family participates in and enjoys the program. For example, deciding where to install the box, planting the wildflower seeds, and checking on the bee nesting box throughout the season can all be family-friendly activities. In general, most of our native bee species are quite docile (yes, they can sting—but often don’t) and should not be too bothered by your presence.  Just give them their space.

We would love for all Citizens to be able to participate in this program; however, funding limitations only allow for so many Bee Kits to be prepared each year, so we take the following measures to keep the program as fair as possible:

• We use a randomized draw to select program participants each year
• Only one person from each household (same physical address) can register to participate, meaning that each family has the same chance of being selected, no matter the size
• Each person and a single household are eligible to receive a Bee Kit once

The short answer is no! We will provide a variety of guides and resources to help you participate in this program, learn more about bees, and identify them. You can also participate in our and use the app or desktop platform to help you identify bee species.

• Planting a variety of native flowers that are in bloom from May-September
• Providing natural nesting/overwintering habitat (cut back pithy/hollow plant stems, leaving brush piles and fallen logs, not raking your leaves in the fall or spring)
• Learning more about our native bees in Alberta
• Photographing bees and uploading your photos to community science platforms likeBumble Bee Watch(just for bumble bees) or iNaturalist

As flowers are the primary food source for all bees, you will see a wide range of bees your wildflowers. However, only “cavity” or “tunnel” nesting bees will use your bee nesting box. This particular group of bees uses cavities or tunnels (such as pithy and hollow plant stems in nature) to build their nests. They’re solitary, meaning they don’t have a colony, and are known to be quite docile. Learn more about Alberta’s native bees in our ECC Speaker Spotlight or on our Program StoryMap.

No, honeybees will not reside in your bee nesting box. Bee nesting boxes are made for “cavity” or “tunnel” nesting bees, which are solitary bees who do not have a colony, nor produce honey. Honeybees have large colonies with over 20,000 individuals (on the low side!) and not only would they simply not fit in your bee box, they prefer to build their own special structures for housing their eggs and storing honey.

There may be a variety of reasons that bees did not nest in your bee box this year:

• There were not enough food sources nearby (or building resources, i.e., mud for mason bees) when they were searching for a place to nest
• Your bee nesting box was installed too late in the season, and therefore not available when the bees were looking for a nest
• Your land provided better natural nesting options elsewhere for the bees, such as pithy/hollow plant stems, logs with burrowed tunnels, etc.
• They simply did not come across your bee nesting box

Note: Some research has shown that nesting success in artificial homes, such as bee nesting boxes, can increase over time as the box is used more!

It is very possible critters other than bees may be interested in taking up residence in your bee nesting box. Just like bees, our native wasps are also pollinators that are important to the ecosystem and generally keep to themselves. They are often seen using these structures. It’s important to know that some parasitic wasps may prey on the nests of these bees. However, the bee nesting boxes are designed to stack the odds in the bees’ favor. As for spiders, you can clear webbing from the cavities as you see them appear. Ants may be found trying to live in the box or raid it for food. Similarly to the spiders, it’s best to evict them as they appear. Cleaning your box each year will also help increase the chances of your nesting box remaining pest- and pathogen-free.

There may be a variety of reasons that your planted wildflowers did not grow:

• Some plants require cold stratification (exposure to cold and moist conditions, like winter) to germinate
• They were not given the right conditions to thrive
  • Not enough or too much sunlight
  • Not enough or too much water
  • Soil issues (drainage, temp, compaction, nutrients, etc.)
  • Not planted at the proper depth
• Unfortunately, sometimes seeds just don’t have good growing success

Here are more planting tips from the Alberta Native Plant Council.

If you are moving, you can dismount your bee box and bring it with you to re-install at your new home. However, if you decide to gift your bee box to a friend or neighbour, please let us know at environment@metis.org.

Mileage reimbursement requests cannot be made more than 60 days before a medical appointment or more than 60 days after a medical appointment. Accommodation requests cannot be made more than 60 days and no less than 7 days before a medical appointment. This program is not intended for medical emergencies. If you or an immediate family member is experiencing a medical emergency, you may still apply, however, we cannot guarantee the application will be processed with less than 7 days’ notice.

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan covers medically necessary physician services and some other services. These other services include:

• Medically necessary surgeries
• Emergency dental, oral, and facial surgeries
• Medically necessary diagnostic services
• Preventative screening services
• Services provided by a psychiatrist

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan may also cover services from other providers, such as acupuncturists, massage therapists, or physiotherapists, if these appointments are deemed medically necessary (e.g., following a motor vehicle accident). To be eligible to receive mileage reimbursements or accommodations through the Medical Travel Program for appointments with other providers, you must provide a letter or requisition from a physician indicating that these services are medically necessary and eligible for coverage under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.

This program does not provide mileage reimbursements or accommodations for the following types of appointments:

• Surgeries that are not medically necessary
• Services provided by a psychologist, counsellor, social worker, or other mental health providers who are not psychiatrists
• Services from providers who are not physicians, nurse practitioners, registered midwives, dentists, dental hygienists, or optometrists. For example, acupuncturists, massage therapists, or physiotherapists (unless services are deemed medically necessary)

Eligible participants travelling to Edmonton will be provided accommodations at Renaissance Tower or select hotels with direct billing accounts for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. Eligible participants travelling to Calgary, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, or Lethbridge will be provided accommodations at select hotels with which the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has direct billing accounts.

No, we cannot cover privately booked hotel costs through this program. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government will book eligible participants to stay at select hotels with which they have direct billing accounts.

We can provide accommodation for a maximum of two nights if travelling for a single appointment or for the full duration of your course of treatment, to a maximum of one week.

No, we cannot provide pet-friendly accommodations through this program.

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government only provides mileage reimbursements in the form of cheques. Cheques will be mailed to eligible participants. Cheques can sometimes take up to a month or more to be processed and mailed.

• Wildfire Preparedness
• Preparing to evacuate
• Hazard preparedness
• Check the Active Fires Dashboard

• Wildfire smoke and your health
• Combined wildfire smoke and heat
• Using an air purifier to filter wildfire smoke
• How to build a low-cost air filter (University of Washing School of Public Health)

• Staying Healthy in the Heat Fact Sheet
• Extreme Heat Information for Seniors
• Medications increasing vulnerability to Extreme Heat

• Emergency Preparedness Resources
• Making an Emergency Plan
• Editable outline to make your emergency plan [pdf]
• Financial preparedness
• Home Insurance coverage for fire damage [pdf]
• Pet preparedness

• Emergency and Disaster Resources – Government of Alberta
• Flood Safety [Red Cross pdf]
• Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) Information

• Building an emergency kit
• Checklist of items for your evacuation kit [pdf]
• Vehicle Emergency Kit [pdf]
• Be Ready Pocket Guide – Canadian Red Cross [pdf]

Fire in your community or immediate medical assistance: 911

Reporting a wildfire: 310-FIRE (3473)

Non-emergency medical advice: 811 (Health Link)

Information on road closures and conditions: 511

Telephone Town Halls: 1-833-380-0691

Alberta Wildfire Resource Line: 
For evacuated farmers and ranchers with questions regarding livestock
780-310-4455

Alberta Supports Contact Centre:
For evacuees requiring emergency benefits
1-877-644-9992

• Indigenous Peoples’ Help Desk – Disaster Risk Management (Canadian Red Cross) [pdf]
• Resources for Community

• Emergency Needs Allowance: for evacuees requiring immediate emergency financial assistance
• Emergency Food Benefits Application: for evacuees requiring assistance with obtaining food after a wildfire or disaster
• Income Support: for financial assistance regarding emergency eviction or utility disconnection as a result of the wildfires or disaster
• Insurance Claims: claim insurance coverage for homes, properties or businesses damaged as a result of a wildfire or disaster
• Disaster Recovery Program: financial assistance when facing uninsurable loss after a disaster
• Municipal Wildfire Assistance Program: for municipalities requiring assistance with the costs of wildfires
• Emergency Financial Assistance for students (Alberta Student Aid)

• Disaster Assistance Programs: provides additional financial assistance to specific social and economic sectors affected by a disaster
• Employment Insurance (EI): for individuals who are unable to work due to hazardous weather and disaster
• Emergency Financial Assistance for students (Government of Canada)

National Student Loans Service Centre (NSCLC)
Student loan borrowers: contact the NSCLC to fast-track your application for the Repayment Assistance Plan

Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre
Apprentice loan borrowers: contact the CALSC to fast-track your application for the Repayment Assistance Plan

• For Métis families who are homeless or on the verge of being homeless
  • Reaching Home Program (Métis Housing) application [pdf]
  • Finding emergency shelters for displaced evacuees

• Wellness Program (Métis Nation of Alberta)
• Alberta Health Services (AHS) Mental Health Resources
• Managing wildfire smoke and your mental health [pdf]
• Psychological First Aid (Canadian Red Cross) [pdf]
• AHS Mental Health Helplines and Supports [pdf]
• More Mental Health Supports

Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322

Mental Health Helplines: 1-877-303-2642

• Edmonton Access 24/7 Intake Services: 780-424-2424
• Calgary Access 24/7 Intake Services: 403-943-2500
• Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 Text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868
• Indigenous Support Line: 1-844-944-4744 (12 – 8 p.m., Mon – Fri)

Only available in AHS North Zone (MNA districts 13 – 18 and 22: partially covered districts 7, 8, and 19 – 21) and South Zone (MNA districts  partially covered 1 – 4). See Map.

More Health Resources.

The Métis Nation within Alberta has a long history of organizing and political participation. Since the end of the 19th century, Métis in Alberta have stood together and pressed governments to respect our Métis rights and treat our claims fairly. Learn more about this ongoing fight and the milestones we’ve reached on our Self-Government website.

A constitution is an essential tool for self-government. A constitution acts as a rule book, clearly defining how any government, Aboriginal or otherwise, will operate and what powers it has. When the constitutions of Aboriginal governments are recognized by other levels of government—federal and provincial—they provide the legitimacy and legal tools we need to respond to our citizens’ needs and provide appropriate services. Learn more about constitutions and why it is important for the Métis Nation of Alberta to create and adopt our own.

Self-determination and self-government are inherent rights of all Indigenous people. Prior to Canada’s westward expansion into the Métis Nation Homeland, we governed ourselves in keeping with our own traditions. Collectively, we asserted ourselves as a nation—the Métis Nation. But Canada’s colonial policies and institutions denied our nationhood, uprooted us from our lands, and restricted many of the practices that are fundamental to our Métis culture. The Métis Nation of Alberta has struggled for decades to have our right to self-government recognized and respected. By finally achieving this sovereignty, we will regain control over matters directly affecting us and ensure Métis culture flourishes for generations. We will be empowered to remedy the effects of colonialism in our community. The time has come for the full recognition of the Métis Nation within Alberta’s right to govern. Learn more.

Definition: “Métis means a person who self-identifies as Metis, is distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, is of historic Métis Nation Ancestry and who is accepted by the Métis Nation”

Historical Proof: refers to evidence of an ancestor who received a land grant or a scrip granted under the Manitoba Act or the Dominion Lands Act, or who was recognized as Métis in other government, church or community records.

Historic Métis Nation: refers to the Aboriginal people then known as Métis or half-breeds who resided in the Historic Métis Nation Homeland.

Historic Métis Nation Homeland: the area of land in west-central North America used and occupied as the traditional territory of the Métis or Half-breeds as they were then known.

Métis Nation: means Aboriginal people descended from the Historic Métis Nation, which is now comprised of all Métis Nation peoples and is one of the “aboriginal peoples of Canada” within the meaning of s.35 of the Constitution Act 1982.

Distinct from other Aboriginal peoples: means distinct for cultural and nationhood purpose.

All Métis and Indigenous people are born with inherent rights. An inherent right is a collective right of all Métis that stems from the community’s connection to the land. These rights cannot be taken away, although they are often unrecognized by other levels of government.

Inherent rights include:

• rights to the land
• rights to subsistence resources and activities
• the right to self-determination and self-government
• the right to practice one’s own culture and customs, including language and religion.

QuitCore is a free group support program that provides Métis individuals with the tools, strategies, and skills they need to reduce or quit their tobacco use. It also provides an opportunity to share and connect with other MNA citizens who are trying to achieve similar tobacco-related goals. QuitCore consists of six sessions, occurring once a week for about 90 minutes. Topics covered include: tobacco cessation techniques, stress management, nutrition and physical exercise, individual goal planning, and relapse prevention. Our Community Prevention Practitioner (CPP) and an AHS co-facilitator facilitate these sessions of up to 20 individuals.

Our QuitCore is based on AHS’ QuitCore program. It has been adapted to be culturally safe and relevant to the Métis community, and is only offered to Métis Albertans.

To use Zoom, you will need:

• Video camera, either built into your device or a separate webcam (most modern computers, smartphones, and tablets have this built in)
• Microphone, either built into your device or in the webcam (most modern computers, smartphones, and tablets have this built in), or a phone
• A broadband internet connection.

Certainly. The nice thing about QuitCore is that it covers a variety of topics, not just tobacco. QuitCore recognizes that tobacco use is a complex behaviour that involves many factors. For example, we learn about nutrition and diet, physical activity and exercise, and stress management, which are all areas that may help you achieve your tobacco-related health goals with greater long-term success.

If you choose to register for the MNA Virtual QuitCore program, you will be asked to:

• Join a group of Métis Albertans who are interested in making a change related to their tobacco use
• Voluntarily contribute to group discussions or talking circles
• Attend six 90-minute virtual (online) sessions over the course of six weeks. However, it is not mandatory to attend every session, and you can cancel your registration at any time
• Take reasonable measures to respect the confidentiality and privacy of other participants

In addition to meeting the National definition of Métis,
you must also submit the following documents:

1. Family Tree
2. Birth Certificate
3. Identification

Find the application form here.

1. Applicant (This is You)
   Brings completed forms to intake.
2. Intake Officer
   Ensures forms are complete and sends them to the Registry Agent
3. Registry Agent
   Prepares documents and family tree to send to Genealogist
4. Genealogist
   Reviews family tree and sends to Registrar
5. Registrar
   Authorizes citizenship card
6. You’re Now a Citizen
   When application is successful you will receive your citizenship card

You can request birth documents from the Vital Statistics Department of the province you were born in. Please ensure requested documents show parentage. Born in Alberta, we can order the birth document. Fill out the form.

• Citizen application packages are available on the registry webpage.
• Citizen application packages are also available at the Provincial Office.
• Additional resources for application requirements below:
  • Application Information
  • Family Tree Guidelines

Before your application is processed, it needs to be commissioned.

1. I live in Edmonton
   Bring all completed forms and required documents to the Provincial Head Office to get your application commissioned.
2. I don’t live in Edmonton
   Bring all completed forms and required documents to your nearest District office to get your application commissioned.
   Once all forms have been commissioned at your nearest District office, completed application packages can be mailed to provincial office on your behalf, or dropped off in-person to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.ATTN: Registry
   #100, 11738 Kingsway NW
   Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5

The Genealogy Department is available to assist with completion of family trees for application purposes.

• To book an appointment or for more information on your family tree and ancestry, please call:
• Phone: (780) 455-2200
• Toll-Free: 1-800-252-7553

If the family member gave consent during their application process, you can reference their genealogical information. You still must complete your family tree to the ancestor you both have in common. Please include the full name of the family member you are referencing as well as their relationship to you, on the bottom of your family tree.

Anyone who is a resident of Alberta can apply. This includes Settlement members.

You can get your forms commissioned at any of the following places:

1. Registries
2. Insurance Agencies
3. Lawyers
   Please note, fees may apply for the above.

• To request a replacement card, please call the Provincial Office at 780-455-2200.
• The cost of a replacement card is $40.00 (cash or debit accepted).
• Depending on your original application, there may be forms that need to be re-signed.
• You can choose to take a new photo at this time.
• It can take up to six-weeks to receive a replacement card

• Fill out the Change of Address Form
• You may be contacted by a registry agent for more information.
• Mail your completed change of address form to:

Otipemisiwak Métis Government
ATTN: Registry
#100, 11738 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5

OR

• Email your completed change of address form to:
  • registry@metis.org

OR

• Visit the Provincial Office and complete your change of address form with a registry agent.

Approved harvesters are only able to harvest in their defined Métis Harvesting Area. Through your application, you’d have established a historical (pre-1900s) and contemporary connection to one (or more) of these four areas.

See the Métis Harvesting Area maps below:

1. Harvesting Area Mosaic
2. Harvesting Area A
3. Harvesting Area B
4. Harvesting Area C
5. Harvesting Area D
6. All Harvesting Areas

Approved harvesters can harvest year-round; however, there are yearly fishing closures, most of which are April 1 to May 14 annually. Stay informed by regularly checking the current Domestic Fishing Licence regulations [pdf].

As with traditional Métis harvesting practices, we encourage you to consider sustainable and responsible harvesting and fishing methods for future generations. This includes not harvesting any females (cow or doe) and young between the months of January through to the end of July.

The Government of Alberta’s policy on Métis Harvesting can be viewed online.

If you have questions not listed in the FAQs section, please contact the Harvesting team by email at harvesting@metis.org

You can apply for your harvesting card now if you already have your Citizenship, or at the same time as your Citizenship application.

The Métis Harvester Identification Card is valid for the life of the Métis citizen.

This Métis Harvesting Agreement only applies to Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. If you self-identify as Métis and have historical Métis ancestry, you can apply to become a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

Until each current applicant is accepted as an MNA citizen, the MNA cannot process your application to be identified as a Métis Harvester under the Métis Harvesting Agreement. You will have to apply for your Métis Harvester Identification Sticker after receiving your MNA citizenship card.

All questions regarding Alberta’s harvesting letters should be directed to the Government of Alberta.

No. You will still have to apply for a Métis Harvester Identification Card (and be a Citizen) with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

The Métis Harvesting Agreement only applies to Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. You will need to contact the Métis Settlement General Council to find out about their process or contact the Government of Alberta.

If you qualify for harvesting rights in Alberta you can also apply to become a Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

No. However, you need to show both historical and contemporary connection to each harvesting area. Through the Harvester Identification Card application process, one must show pre-1900 family roots as well as a contemporary connection in the respective harvesting area(s). Potentially, a Citizen can connect to two, three, or all harvesting areas, if they can prove the area connection requirements.

No, the Métis Harvesting Agreement and Policy applies only to approved harvesters who are Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

Similar to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government citizenship application process (which takes 6-8 weeks), the Métis Harvester Identification Card application process will be based out of the provincial office in Edmonton. Our Registry and Harvesting teams will also travel the province to help with applications and provide information.

If you are about to apply for citizenship, you will be able to apply for the Métis Harvester Identification Card simultaneously. Cards will be mailed to applicants after the application has been approved.

Historical connection
Pre-1900 ancestral connection must be shown by genealogical history, including where ancestors lived and when they lived there. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is enhancing our database and registration process to assist Citizens with establishing their ancestral connection to the Métis Harvesting Areas.

Contemporary connection
Contemporary connection to the same Métis Harvesting Area must be shown through compliance with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s policy on contemporary community acceptance.

A previous court decision found that Métis do not have harvesting rights in the Cypress Hills area. Alberta feels bound by these decisions and unable to recognize Métis harvesting rights in the Treaty 7 area at this time. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government strongly disagrees and continues to fight for the recognition of Métis harvesting rights in the south.

The Métis Harvesting Agreement includes several wins for Battle River Territory:

• For the first time, Alberta recognizes Métis harvesting rights in the Red Deer Métis District, particularly around Rocky Mountain House;
• Citizens living in Battle River Territory will be able to harvest in central and northern Alberta if they can show a historical and contemporary connection there; and
• Alberta has committed to further discussions regarding the recognition of Métis harvesting rights in the south. Previously, the Government of Alberta refused to discuss Métis harvesting in Southern Alberta at all.

Registered Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Citizens can apply for one emergency preparedness kit per household. Priority will be given to MNA Citizens in rural communities. This is to target individuals and families who may be in more vulnerable positions, such as living in areas with less or no access to emergency services, shelter, or could be affected by long emergency response times.

“Rural” means living in isolated areas with smaller populations where emergency services cannot quickly respond due to distance. Rural can also be defined as not having easy access to city utilities such as water and gas, or not being within walking distance of essentials such as stores, gas stations, hospitals, or public transportation.

“Vulnerable” refers to individuals living in areas with less or no access to emergency services. Vulnerability also includes factors such as mobility/disability issues, having small children, and/or elderly relatives in the household.

The application form closed February 26, 2023. The MNA will only reach out to those selected for a kit to confirm mailing addresses are correct and eligible for shipping at the beginning of March. Total Prepare will begin shipments in early to mid May.

Shipping will NOT be possible to P.O. boxes or rural road (RGE RD/TWP) mailing addresses due to the size, weight, and cost of the kits. Kits will require a signature upon delivery.

Total Prepare is a Canadian-owned and -operated emergency preparedness solutions company based out of Victoria, B.C. Their motto is for everybody to “be prepared, not scared” when it comes to emergency situations, arming their customers with hearty long-lasting food, water, and emergency equipment. Testing their supplies regularly, Total Prepare stands by their products 100 per cent.

The kits can accommodate up to six people for 72 hours. The contents cannot be modified. Each kit includes supplies to help with nourishment, water, heat, lighting, and first aid supplies, including a Pocket Emergency Plan that recipients can fill out with important emergency response phone numbers and any important medical information.

Personal items such as prescriptions with medications and dosages listing ingredients, and physician names for each person should also be written in the Pocket Emergency Plan. Additional copies of the Pocket Emergency Plan and extra resources are available on the Total Prepare website.

Emergency Preparedness Kit Contents:

• 6 food bars
• 36 drinking water pouches
• 6 hooded ponchos
• 6 sleeping bags
• 1 pair of work gloves
• 3 pairs of hand/foot warmers
• 6 light sticks
• nylon safety rope (50 feet)
• duct tape (10 yards)
• bath/toiletry packs
• 2 rolls of toilet paper
• dust masks
• hand-crank flashlight radio
• 5 flashlights
• (3) 2-person tube tents
• Emergency Preparedness Guidebook
• multi-function army knife
• whistle
• waterproof matches
• single wick 40-hour emergency candle
• aqua tabs
• foldable water container
• first aid kit (contents listed below)

First Aid Kit Contents:

• bandages (6 varied sizes)
• gauze pads (2 sizes)
• abdominal gauze (ABD) pads
• roller gauze
• cotton tip applicators
• medical tape
• tweezers
• cold pack
• scissors
• tongue depressor
• nylon bag
• nitrile gloves
• alcohol wipes

The purpose of an emergency response kit is to support a family’s immediate needs in the first hours and days after an emergency. Being prepared for the first hours in any emergency is crucial to survival. In Alberta, emergencies can include, but are not limited to: landslides, earthquakes, tornadoes, hail, wildfires, extreme temperatures, strong wind storms, and general power outages.

Recipients should update their kit once a year and restock each kit after every use, including checking the expiration dates on all food and water supplies. Recipients should consider packing extra clothing and footwear, pet supplies, entertainment supplies (deck of cards, notebook etc.), and garbage bags.

Kits are intended for use in home and/or work emergency situations. For use as a vehicle kit, recipients should consider including water, food, blankets, batteries, a map, road flares, gloves, jumper cables, flashlight, shovel, phone charger, kitty litter, and de-icer.