Living Patterns: Métis Stories & Craftsmanship Celebrates Métis Resilience, Art and Identity
Posted on: Oct 02, 2026
Featuring 11 McMurray Métis artists, a new exhibition celebrates the stories, traditions and craftsmanship of Métis families while offering a glimpse into the future McMurray Métis Cultural Centre.
McMurray Métis, in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, celebrated the opening of Living Patterns: Métis Stories & Craftsmanship on September 17 at Jubilee Gallery in Fort McMurray.
Featuring the work of 11 McMurray Métis Citizens, the exhibition celebrates Métis identity, family traditions, and the artistry passed down through generations. From intricate beadwork and handmade moccasins to sewing, painting and photography, each piece tells a story of family, identity and the knowledge that continues to be shared across generations.
Some pieces were originally created as treasured gifts for family members, while others reflect the practical skills and artistic traditions that have long been part of Métis life. Together, they demonstrate how craftsmanship preserves family histories and strengthens connections between generations.
A Celebration of Métis Resilience and Reconciliation
During her opening remarks, McMurray Métis District Captain Kelly Myers reflected on the significance of seeing Métis artwork, craftsmanship and treasured family heirlooms proudly displayed in a government building, particularly during the National Month for Truth and Reconciliation.
“There were generations when embracing our identity and proudly wearing our regalia did not feel safe. There is something truly monumental about standing here tonight and seeing Métis art, craftsmanship and family treasures proudly displayed inside a government building. This is reconciliation in action.”
Kelly spoke about the resilience of Métis people and the important role artists play in preserving cultural identity, honouring those who came before us and ensuring future generations can carry those traditions forward.
Her message also captured the vision behind the future McMurray Métis Cultural Centre, a place where Citizens can see themselves and their families reflected, where artists have a platform to share their work, and where cultural knowledge continues to be passed from one generation to the next.
“The Cultural Centre may not have opened its doors yet, but what will fill those doors is already here. Our stories are here. Our artists are here. Our teachings are here. We are still here. We are regrowing. We are blossoming. And we are carrying it all forward.”
Her words captured the significance of Living Patterns: more than an art exhibition, it is a celebration of Métis identity, cultural continuity and the future the community is building together.
Eight Months of Collaboration
The exhibition is the result of eight months of collaboration between Ana Maria Mendez, Programs and Facilities Manager with the McMurray Métis Cultural Centre, and Stacey Grant, McMurray Métis Citizen and owner of Freyja’s Haven and Studio 516.
As co-curators, Mendez and Grant worked closely with participating artists to understand the stories behind their pieces and create an exhibition that honours both the craftsmanship and the people who carry these traditions forward.
Beyond the opening celebration, Living Patterns is creating opportunities for the next generation to engage with Métis culture. Five school groups are scheduled to tour the exhibition and participate in hands-on workshops supported by McMurray Métis Citizens Lou-Ann Demers-Noble, Lucas Punko, Kayla Aikins and Shelley Paulin.
These experiences will introduce students to the stories, skills and traditions represented in the exhibition while providing opportunities to learn directly from Métis artists and knowledge holders.
A Glimpse of the Future McMurray Métis Cultural Centre
Living Patterns offers an early glimpse of the vision for the McMurray Métis Cultural Centre, a dedicated home where Métis Citizens will have opportunities to share their talents, preserve cultural knowledge and see their families and histories represented.
The future Centre will provide space for artists to exhibit their work, Elders and knowledge holders to share their teachings, and younger generations to learn traditional skills. It will also welcome visitors from across the region and beyond to experience Métis culture through exhibitions, storytelling and cultural programming.
The exhibition demonstrates that the foundation for this future cultural destination already exists within the McMurray Métis community: its artists, its stories and the knowledge being passed from one generation to the next.
McMurray Métis extends its gratitude to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for its partnership and to the participating artists and families for sharing their work and personal histories.
Experience Living Patterns In Person
On display until October 30, 2026
Jubilee Gallery, Fort McMurray, Alberta
or Online Living Patterns Exhibition
Stay connected with the Cultural Centre
Follow the latest developments at the future McMurray Métis Cultural Centre.
Meet the 11 Featured Métis Artists:
- Carmen Wells
- Crystal Lee Clark
- Kayla Aikins
- Mandy Wills
- Mary Bourque-Irla
- Samantha Bacon-Quintal
- Melissa Redden
- Paulette Bulley
- Rachelle Solbak
- Stacey Grant
- Treasure Cooper