Letter of Invitation to Today’s Meeting with the St. Paul Town Council
Posted on: Sep 28, 2026
On Monday, September 28, 2026, we will be advocating for our history in St. Paul, and we would love to have you stand with us. Your Otipemisiwak Métis Government will be meeting with the St. Paul Town Council to ask for two specific items:
- That the town consider restoring the community’s historic name, St. Paul des Métis; and
- The placing of a Red River Cart at a visible entrance into town.
Established in 1896, St. Paul des Métis was created as a Métis agricultural settlement. In 1909, the lands were opened to non-Métis settlers, forcing Métis families from their homes, farms, and community. While the settlement itself was dismantled, the resilience of those families endured and contributed to the ongoing struggle for Métis rights, recognition, and self-government, which is a journey that continues today through the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
Many Citizens have requested we work towards recognizing the prominent and rich history in St. Paul. We will be making our case as a delegation to town council. We will be speaking with passion rooted in the fact, but what will make our case even stronger is if we have a lot of Citizens attend the meeting. If there is something we have learned as Métis over the last two-plus centuries of fighting for our rights, and in some cases, recognition, is that we are stronger together. We also expect a strong push from some local residents to maintain the status quo.
We would love to see you stand with us.
We will be presenting at 7 p.m. in the St. Paul Council Chambers, located at 5101-50 St. We will see you there in person. You can also tune in virtually through the St. Paul meeting livestream at www.youtube.com/@TownofStPaul-gg6vs
You can see some of Provincial Secretary Grant Lacombe’s media interviews on the topic here.
- Secretary Grant Lacombe continues speaking with Media on restoration of original St. Paul des Métis town name
- Secretary Grant Lacombe speaks with CTV News on restoration of original St. Paul des Métis town name
Sincerely,
President Andrea Sandmaier
Grant Lacombe, Provincial Secretary of Harvesting and Culture