Métis Nation of Alberta and Fort Edmonton Park Forge New Relationship
Posted on: Aug 12, 2015
Edmonton, AB – Friday, August 7, 2015
At 1 pm today, Métis Nation of Alberta President Audrey Poitras and Fort Edmonton Management Company Board Chair Doug Goss signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation. This MOU represents a significant step forward between the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Fort Edmonton Management Company as they will work together in the spirit of reconciliation by creating and delivering authentic, historically accurate and engaging programming at Fort Edmonton Park.
President Audrey Poitras states “the Métis Nation embraces this long-term commitment to collaborate with the Fort Edmonton Management Company. By working together, we will ensure the authentic representation of Métis culture in the context of Edmonton’s past. This Memorandum of Understanding bodes well for the Métis Nation citizens who will be included in programming and capital development processes at Fort Edmonton Park when it impacts the historical and cultural narratives of Métis people of this territory”.
Fort Edmonton Management Company Chair, Doug Goss, is also optimistic for the trajectory of the MOU. In a statement made today, Mr. Goss mentions “the contribution of the Métis to the history of this region is substantial and significant and demands thoughtful and thorough inclusion in the Fort Edmonton experience”.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Mayor of Edmonton Don Iveson and City of Edmonton Councillor Dave Loken. The procession was accompanied by Métis fiddlers, jiggers and a selection of historic interpreters. A gift exchange between President Poitras and Doug Goss took place after the MOU signing as a symbolic gesture of goodwill moving into the future.
Media contacts:
Suzzette Mellado
Communications Coordinator
Fort Edmonton Park
C: (587) 983-8274
P: (780) 442-2013
E: suzzette.mellado@edmonton.ca
April Magee
Communications Officer
The Métis Nation of Alberta
P: (780) 455-2200 Ext. 278
E: amagee@metis.org