President's Corner - January 24, 2024
Posted on: Jan 24, 2025
As we settle into the new year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the heart of our nation—you, our citizens. It is your stories, achievements, and dedication to our communities that inspire and guide every decision we make as your government.
Self-government is about more than jurisdiction and programs. It’s about building a nation where each of you can thrive, your unique needs are met, and your voices are heard. Every initiative we undertake—from cultural preservation and education to healthcare and economic development—is rooted in our commitment to support you and your dreams.
This year, we’ve had the privilege of spotlighting some of our incredible citizens who are shaping our communities and making history. Here are just a few examples of the remarkable achievements we’ve celebrated:
| Annika Behnke, a Métis youth from Peace River, and her skating partner won Canada’s first-ever gold medal at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games in South Korea. Annika also received the Tom Longboat Award at the National Indigenous Sports Gala. What a shining example of Métis excellence! |
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| Caleigh Crowe, a playwright from Calgary, was awarded the 2024 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama. Her powerful work explores themes like mental health and the struggles of marginalized communities. |
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| Sheena Bradley and Maddie Amyotte, co-founders of the Ihkapaskwa Collective and Aunties within Reach Program, are bridging gaps in health and wellness by blending traditional healing with modern care. The Ihkapaskwa Collective is a Grassroots Indigenous led non-profit committed to culturally safe reproductive care for Indigenous families. Their dedication earned them the 2024 Patient Experience Award from the Health Quality Council of Alberta. |
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| Kelle Hurd, a physician and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, was named one of Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 for creating culturally safe spaces in medicine for Indigenous patients. Her leadership is paving the way for better healthcare access. |
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| Shawna Cunningham, received the prestigious 2023 Distinguished Dissertation Award in Humanities and Fine Arts. Her research, Stories from Inside the Circle, embodies transformational change and advances reconciliation through education. |
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These stories are just a few that remind us why self-government matters. It enables us to uplift and empower one another, ensuring our communities continue to grow, thrive, and honour our Métis heritage.
As we continue into 2025, I encourage you to share your stories, achievements, and ideas with us. Together, we are building a nation where every citizen can shine. If you know a Métis citizen whose achievements deserve recognition, please let our team know at communications@metis.org. These stories inspire all of us and are a reminder of the power of our shared journey.