King Charles III Coronation Medal Ceremony

Here are just a few words about each of our medal recipients:

 

Riel Aubichon, a fiddle player who keeps Métis music and traditions alive through powerful performance and cultural education.

 

Paul Bercier dedicated 16 years to the Canadian Forces and is now a veteran and community builder who brought his skills into service with the MNA in both environmental and economic development.

 

Alice Berger has played a key role in supporting the Métis Nation within Alberta. She has been a committed volunteer who has brought warmth, energy, and support to every community event she touches.

 

Doreen Bergum, a respected Elder and plays a vital role in preserving and passing on Métis culture, language, and traditions.

 

Cindy Bourque-Punko has dedicated her life to empowering Métis youth and preserving traditional knowledge. She has lived in Northeastern Alberta for most of her life and is a respected knowledge holder in Fort McMurray, she actively volunteers her time to support a variety of programs and cultural events.

 

Georges Brosseau was a foundational figure and played a key role in preserving the cultural elements that define who we are as Métis. Although George passed away in June of last year, his contributions continue to resonate within our communities.

 

Brett Chernow is a youth leader and mentor who helped launch the Provincial Youth Council and dedicated his career to uplifting young Métis.

 

Paulette Dahlseide has been a crucial part of strengthening our community. She is a tireless advocate for health and wellness, particularly through dental clinics and the New Dawn Métis Women’s Society.

 

Beatrice Demetrius is a genealogist whose work chronicling Métis soldiers in wartime earned national and provincial recognition.

 

Bryan D. Fayant has played a vital role in supporting mental health and helping Citizens access programs and services. He is deeply committed to cultural development and building a stronger, more connected community in Fort McMurray.

 

Vyna Fluney is an Elder and knowledge keeper for the Métis Nation of Alberta. She is also the resident elder at Lakeland College who offers students cultural support and guidance rooted in tradition.

 

Lorne Gladu is the founding CEO of the Rupertsland Institute, whose work has transformed the lives of thousands of Metis Citizens by supporting education, training, and research initiatives across Alberta.

 

Elmer Guillon served as Vice President and President of Region 5 for over 30 years. His commitment to the growth and success of our Nation has had a lasting impact.

 

Sylvia Johnson is a long-serving Region 6 President and traditional knowledge holder who also represented the MNA as Minister of Health, Housing, Education and Children Services.

 

Alex Kusturok, a dynamic performer and educator in Métis fiddle music. He supports fellow Métis artists across Alberta and is passionate about preserving Métis fiddle music.

 

Kelsey Landry is a respected Elder and educator who teaches Métis history in schools, keeping stories alive for the next generation.

 

Kirsten Letendre works for a nonprofit organization, conducting water quality monitoring on lakes throughout Alberta to help preserve healthy lakes for future generations. She shares her traditional knowledge by teaching Métis families how to harvest fish using gill nets during the Frosty Reels family camps.

 

Brianna Lizotte is a JUNO-nominated musician who honours her family’s legacy through performance, teaching, and cultural celebration.

 

Marilyn Lizee is a respected member of our Nation. In addition to being the previous President of the New Dawn Métis Women’s Society, Marilyn has developed cultural training programs that deepen understanding of Métis history and identity, and created an Elder Abuse training program that supports Elders, seniors, and caregivers in both Métis and First Nation communities across Alberta.

 

George (Bernie) Ouellette is an Elder, army veteran, and descendant of Batoche hero Joseph Ouellette. He works to preserve history through the Métis Heritage Project.

 

Pearl Sandor is a leader in arts and community service, she revives and teaches traditional Fish Scale Art while supporting elders and youth. She is also involved with New Dawn Métis Women’s group and sits as the President of the Grouard Senior’s Community club

 

Norma Spicer is a dedicated Elder and Knowledge Keeper who represents the Otipemisiwak Métis Government across numerous cultural, educational, and civic initiatives. She brings Métis wisdom to institutions across Alberta, helping ensure Métis voices are heard and respected.

 

Maryann Stepien is a residential school survivor. In 1998, she became the president of the Métis Local in Parkland County and held a seat on the Métis Regional Council until 2019. Maryann is now a Métis Elder for the Parkland School Division.

 

Molly Wagar is a young entrepreneur and baker using her platform to empower Métis youth through food, skill-sharing, and mentorship.

 

Angie Crerar is a residential school survivor and founder of the Elder’s Caring Shelter, Angie’s advocacy spans generations and institutions. She served for many years as the President of MNA Local 1990 in Grande Prairie and one of her many accomplishments was the establishment of the Elder’s Caring Shelter in Grande Prairie.

 

Dianne Ludwig is a respected matriarch and educator who has taught Michif-Cree, beading, and Métis history for over 40 years. Through her work, she helps ensure that Métis culture and language is taught to the next generation.

 

Indspire Awards

We were also proud of our two Otipemisiwak Métis Citizens who received the Indspire awards:

 

Madelaine McCracken teaches Indigenous histories and perspectives, ensuring Métis-specific research is grounded in conversational and ethical research.

 

Colby Delorme actively puts Indigenous values at the heart of his every entrepreneurship opportunity. He shares his perspective on Indigenous cultural authenticity, mentorship, and development.

 

These awards are reminders of the strength, beauty, and resilience of the Métis Nation, and of the fact that our greatest strength will always be our people.

To all our recipients: thank you. You inspire us. You ground us. And you remind us of everything we are capable of when we lift each other up.