Alberta Métis Week returns from November 12-18
Press Release
Otipemisiwak Métis Government honours Louis Riel Day and celebrates Métis history and traditions through a week of cultural events
Edmonton, AB – The Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta is hosting Métis Week events from Sunday, November 12 to Saturday, November 18 in various locations across Edmonton. The events fall annually the week of November 16 to commemorate Louis Riel’s wrongful execution, honour Métis heritage and celebrate the future of the Métis Nation.
“Métis Week holds special significance to our Citizens. Although Louis Riel Day commemorates one of the great tragedies of Canadian history, it is also a time to celebrate Métis culture and our progress in fulfilling Riel’s dream, as we continue to walk our historic path towards Métis self-government,” said Andrea Sandmaier, president of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “The week’s entertainment and events allow Métis and non-Métis alike to come together to honour Métis culture and its vibrant history and traditions. It’s an opportunity to showcase who we are as Métis people and the importance of our collective fight for recognition and rights.”
Events kick off on Sunday, with the annual five-kilometre Louis Riel walk and service, commemorating the journey his relatives and friends made when they carried his body five miles to his resting place at the Saint-Boniface Cathedral. Starting at 9:30 am, the walk proceeds to St. Margaret’s Church Historical Site, culminating in a noon Mass.
On Tuesday, November 14, the public is welcome to attend the City of Edmonton’s Métis Week Proclamation at Edmonton’s City Hall. The event begins at 11 am, followed by entertainment and lunch.
A Louis Riel Commemoration Ceremony will take place at the Alberta Legislature on November 16 to honour Riel’s life and legacy. After the ceremony, participants are invited to celebrate the Youth Centre Grand Opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and lunch at 11821 123 St., Edmonton.
Other culturally enriching events will take place throughout the week, including a Rupertsland Institute online Métis jigging competition with Pamela Shore on November 13, a Seniors’ Tea gathering at the Aboriginal Seniors Centre on November 15 and the Delia Gray Gala at the Edmonton Expo Centre on November 16.
Alberta’s annual Fall Métis Market will cap off the week’s festivities on November 18 at Kingsway Mall. Local Métis vendors and artisans will be selling artisanal-crafted beadwork, moccasins, skincare products, jewelry, and more. A Métis Family Meet-Up: Fur Trader Frenzy outdoor event will also take place at Riverlot 11 on November 18 to wrap up Métis Week.
The week’s events are open to all members of the public. For more information and full schedule of the week’s events, visit albertametis.com/event/metis-week-2023/.
Members of the media are welcome to attend Alberta Métis Week 2023 and interviews are available upon request.
About the Otipemisiwak Métis Government:
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta is the oldest continuous Métis government in Canada. It was originally established in 1928, and has been built by Alberta Métis over generations. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government delivers programs and services to Métis Citizens living throughout Alberta through its governance structures and affiliates including Rupertsland Institute, Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc., Métis Crossing as well as its Métis Housing Corporations.
Currently, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has over 64,000 registered Citizens, residing in every part of Alberta, and maintains the only objectively verifiable registry that identifies Métis Citizens and rights-holders living in Alberta. The 2021 Census reported the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has the largest membership of any federally-recognized Métis government in Canada.
-30-
For more information:
Katie Duklas
Media Profile
E: katie.duklas@mediaprofile.com
P: 905-703-5841
ILR4
