Otipemisiwak Métis Government Welcomes its Three Newest Elected Officials
Posted on: Mar 19, 2026
Edmonton, AB – The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is excited to welcome its newest member of Citizens’ Council and two latest District Captains. Gabrielle Blatz was sworn in as the Women’s Representative, Bernie Ouellette was sworn in as the District Captain for the Red Deer Métis District, and Kevin Metz was sworn in as the District Captain for the Calgary Nose Hill Métis District. Ouellette and Metz are the first ever Captains elected for their respective Districts. With their addition, 17 of 22 districts across Alberta have now transitioned to our new governance structure under the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution, representing a significant step forward in advancing Métis self-determination and community-based governance.
“On behalf of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, I want to congratulate Gabrielle Blatz, Bernie Ouellette, and Kevin Metz on their elections and swearing-in to serve our Citizens,” said President Andrea Sandmaier. “Gabrielle’s role as Women’s Representative on Citizens’ Council, along with Bernie and Kevin stepping forward as the first-ever District Captains for the Red Deer and Calgary Nose Hill Métis Districts, marks an important milestone for our government.”
As more districts transition under our Constitution, we continue to strengthen community-based governance and advance Métis self-determination across Alberta.
Biographies
Gabrielle Blatz
Gabrielle Blatz was sworn in as the Provincial Women’s Representative of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, bringing a record of public service, community leadership, and deep ancestral ties to the Métis Nation. Previously a two-term City Councillor for Wetaskiwin, Gabrielle has also spent over a decade working in healthcare and most recently served as Interim Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Edmonton, where she helped guide municipal initiatives and strengthen relationships across governments and communities.
Proud of her Métis lineage, Gabrielle descends from the Dumont, Courchene, Laboucan, Deschaneau, Callihoo, and Tanner families: historic names rooted in resilience, governance, and the advancement of Métis people across generations. She carries this legacy forward with a commitment to uplifting Métis women, fostering inclusive leadership, and advocating for the wellbeing of families and communities throughout the province.
Bernie Ouellette
George Bernard “Bernie” Ouellette is a fifth-generation Métis leader from Rocky Mountain House. Born April 1, 1942, in Lebret in the Qu’Appelle Valley of Saskatchewan, he later moved to Calgary where he completed his high school education. He is a descendant of Joseph Ouellette, who fell defending Métis rights at the Battle of Batoche in 1885.
Ouellette served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1960 to 1963 and comes from a family with a strong tradition of military service.
In 1965, Bernie married Audrey Veenstra, and in 2025 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together they raised three children and are now proud grandparents of ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
An Elder and founder of the Métis Heritage Project, he has dedicated many years to preserving and sharing Métis culture and history. In 2025 he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his lifelong service.
As District Captain, Ouellette hopes to strengthen communication among Citizens, councillors, Elders, and youth while supporting cultural education and building strong relationships throughout the district.
Kevin Metz
Kevin is a dedicated Métis Citizen whose father’s family traces back to Duck Lake, Saskatchewan, with roots flowing to Red River and connections to families such as the Fidlers, Remples, Sauve, and others. Raised with a strong work ethic, Kevin has spent most of his life in business and sales, building leadership skills through managing teams and working on multiple political campaigns at municipal and federal levels.
Throughout his life, Kevin has felt a deep ancestral and spiritual pull toward serving the Métis community, a quiet guidance that has shaped him through challenges and trials, leading him to this moment. He is deeply committed to the unity of all Métis people, viewing the Nation as one large family. As District Captain, Kevin is dedicated to fostering inclusion for all Métis, listening to every voice, supporting elders and youth, preserving culture, and building a stronger, more connected community for generations to come.
