How to become an approved Harvester
Existing citizenship card holders
- Complete and sign the fillable PDF application form or print, complete and sign
- Submit by:
- Email to harvesting@metis.org (you can scan a printed form to email)
- Mail to the Provincial Office
ATTN: Harvesting Department
Otipemisiwak Métis Government
#100 Delia Gray Building
11738 Kingsway Avenue NW
Edmonton AB T5G 0X5 - Drop off in person at the Provincial Office.
New citizenship card applicants
If you’re in the process of applying, you can ask for a harvester application to be added to your citizenship card application.
To learn more about this process, check out our Application Guidelines & Requirements or contact our Registry department by phone: 780-455-2200 or email: registry@metis.org
Please note: The harvesting application processing time is approximately 8-10 weeks. If you have not heard back from us after 8 weeks, please email harvesting@metis.org with your citizenship number and we will check into your harvesting application.
Once approved, you will receive a new card with your identified harvesting areas and your signature. Your Citizen ID number will be the same.
Have questions?
If you have questions about the application process, check out the FAQs below.
Have questions about hunting or fishing (or something the FAQs didn’t answer)? Email us at harvesting@metis.org.
Harvesting FAQs
All FAQsWhere am I able to harvest?
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:
When can I start harvesting?
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.
Where do I find the Métis Harvesting in Alberta Policy?
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
When can I apply for my Métis Harvester Identification Card?
You can apply for your harvesting card now if you already have your Citizenship, or at the same time as your Citizenship application.
How long is the Métis Harvester Identification Card valid?
The Métis Harvester Identification Card is valid for the life of the Métis citizen.
I am not currently a citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, what does the harvesting policy mean for me?
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.
What if I already applied for a Harvester Identification Card but am waiting for my MNA citizenship card?
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.
How long is my harvesting letter from the Government of Alberta valid?
All questions regarding Alberta’s harvesting letters should be directed to the Government of Alberta.
If I have a harvesting letter from the Government of Alberta, do I pre-qualify for the Métis Harvester Identification Card?
No. You will still have to apply for a Métis Harvester Identification Card (and be a Citizen) with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
What if I live on a Métis Settlement, but I am not a citizen of 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.
Is there a limit to the amount of harvesting areas I can have a connection to?
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.
Can family members (e.g. partner) who are not Métis harvest under my harvesting rights?
No, the Métis Harvesting Agreement and Policy applies only to approved harvesters who are Citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
Where do I get my Métis Harvester Identification Card?
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.
How do I show historical and contemporary connection to a harvesting area?
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.
Why isn't Southern Alberta included in the Harvest policy? What is the plan?
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.