President's Corner - April 4, 2025
Posted on: Apr 04, 2025
Over the last two weeks, our Métis government has continued to do what we’ve always done best — bring our people together, amplify Métis voices, and create space for connection, learning, and opportunity.
At the Métis Works Business Mixer and Economic Development Summit, we had over 370 Citizens registered, with more than 50 participants in the trade show, the majority of which were Métis businesses. It was a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in our people. Our ancestors were the original drivers of the northwest economy as guides, traders, interpreters, innovators. Today, our Citizens are continuing that legacy, forging new partnerships, growing strong businesses, and shaping Alberta’s economy.
We also hosted our first-ever Promoting & Increasing Cultural Safety Leadership Conference, a much-needed and powerful gathering focused on understanding the needs of and uplifting Métis women, youth, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. As I said at the event, the strength of any government is reflected in how it supports those who have historically been left out. This summit was about listening, learning, and committing to action. The insights shared will help us reshape policy and services so every Citizen has the opportunity to reach their full potential and by doing so, help our Nation reach its full potential too.
Finally, I wanted to share an important step we’ve taken on behalf of the Métis Nation within Alberta as Canada prepares for the next federal election. This week, I sent letters to party leaders Hon. Mark Carney (Liberal Party of Canada), Hon. Pierre Poilievre (Conservative Party of Canada), and Jagmeet Singh (New Democratic Party)—calling on them to commit to advancing our Métis self-government and to working with us in a true nation-to-nation relationship.
In these letters, I asked them to:
- Fully implement our Self-Government Agreement—including legislation that recognizes our Otipemisiwak Constitution and law-making authority
- Work with us toward a modern-day treaty that reflects recognition, respect, and partnership
- Ensure Métis voices, rights, and priorities are respected in all federal policy, legislation, and funding decisions
Our rights are affirmed in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We have a clear path forward—and now, we need partners in Ottawa who will walk that path with us.
The federal election will take place on Monday, April 28, 2025. I encourage every Métis Citizen to vote and make your voice heard.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Bring accepted ID
- If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so at your assigned polling station
- Check your voter information card or use the Voter Information Service to find your polling location
This election is a vital opportunity to shape the future of our Nation and ensure that federal leaders stand with us as we continue to build our strong, accountable, and self-determined Métis government.