Kahsketakihk Council Nominations are Now Open
Posted on: Aug 19, 2026
EDMONTON, AB — The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is excited to open nominations for our Kahsketakihk Council.
Elders and Knowledge Keepers play essential roles in preserving culture, guiding communities, and passing knowledge from one generation to the next. Kahsketakihk (kak-skay-ta-kick) is the name Citizens’ Council chose for its Council of Elders and Knowledge Keepers. It is a Michif word that means “those that know.”
The Kahsketakihk Council will function as an advisory body to the Citizens’ Council and will be comprised of 10 Elders and Knowledge Keepers from across the province. The Kahsketakihk Council is intended to create a formal process for the Citizens’ Council to seek advice from Elders and Knowledge Keepers for support on certain matters relating to Métis history, traditions, way of life, values, culture, and knowledge.
Kahsketakihk Council nominations are now open with a nomination deadline of October 30, 2026.
To apply to serve on the Kahsketakihk Council, an individual must be nominated by another Citizen from their community who submits a completed nomination package on their behalf (either by email or regular mail). This is intended to help Citizens’ Council identify why and how individuals are valued in their communities to determine who may be a good fit. From these applications, Citizens’ Council will select individuals for appointment to this Council, as per Chapter 16.11 of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Constitution.
Eligible nominees will need to be registered Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens, an Alberta resident, a recognized and supported leader, and provide consent to being nominated. The nomination package requirements include confirmation of the individual’s eligibility, two to five letters of support, one short biography of the nominee, and the last page of the nomination form fully completed and signed by both the nominator and the nominee. Shortlisted candidates will need a criminal record check.
Once Citizens’ Council has a shortlist of candidates from the callout, two members from each of the five territories of the Métis Nation within Alberta will be chosen by Citizens’ Council. Elders and Knowledge Keepers will be selected based on their expertise, traits, and experience.
Once all 10 Kahsketakihk members are appointed, the Kasketakihk Council will hold a minimum of four meetings per year, held virtually or in-person. Kahsketakihk members will receive an honorarium for each meeting attended, as well as reimbursement for applicable travel and meal expenses.
View our Kahsketakihk Council Nomination Package which includes the following resources:
- Nomination Form
- Guide for Letter of Support
- Sample Biography
- Help and Resource Center Handout
Kahsketakihk Council Nomination Package
For all other inquiries or questions not addressed here, please contact kahsketakihk.nominations@metis.org
Media Contact
Kenny Trenton, Press Secretary
Otipemisiwak Métis Government
ktrenton@metis.org