Otipemisiwak Métis Government President Calls For Alberta Métis Representation on Indigenous Advisory Council
Posted on: Sep 10, 2025
Edmonton, Alta. — September 10, 2025 — The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is calling on the Government of Canada to ensure Alberta Métis representation on the Indigenous Advisory Council for the Major Projects Office.
The Major Projects Office oversees development projects that will have significant and lasting impacts on Canadians and communities across the country, including the Métis within Alberta. In August 2025, the Prime Minister affirmed that these projects would be built in “true partnership with Métis,” a commitment that requires direct engagement with each recognized Métis government.
“As the government of the Métis Nation within Alberta, representing the largest Indigenous population in Canada, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government must be included on the Indigenous Advisory Council to reflect the vital and historic role our Citizens have played, and continue to play, in building Canada,” said Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “If the Métis Nation within Alberta does not have a seat at the table, it would undermine reconciliation and weaken the very nation-building these projects are meant to achieve.”
“We have supported Canada’s economic agenda in good faith, including through our participation in the Canada-Métis Summit and discussions on the Building Canada Act,” said President Sandmaier. “Now, we need to see that commitment reflected through the meaningful inclusion of Alberta Métis in decisions that directly affect our Citizens.”
Since 1928, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has governed the Métis Nation within Alberta. Recognized through two self-government agreements with Canada, it is the official representative voice of over 73,000 Métis Citizens, with a constitutional duty to convey their needs and priorities. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government has a long, proven record of constructive engagement with governments and industry on resource development and infrastructure projects, and is uniquely positioned to ensure that nation-building initiatives proceed responsibly and reflect the knowledge, priorities, and lived experiences of Métis Citizens.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government expects the Government of Canada to guarantee full and fair Métis representation on the Indigenous Advisory Council for the Major Projects Office. Anything less would be unacceptable—and a serious step backward on the path to reconciliation.