Proud to Be Métis: Celebrating Métis Week at Métis Crossing

Press Release

November 19, 2025

History of Métis Week

Métis Week is a time to honour the strength, resilience, and cultural richness of the Métis Nation. Held annually in mid-November, Métis Week commemorates the life and legacy of Louis Riel while celebrating the contributions of Métis people to Canada’s past, present, and future.

The week is rooted in remembrance. November 16 marks the anniversary of Louis Riel’s execution in 1885—a turning point in Canadian history. Riel, a Métis leader, politician, and activist, played a vital role in defending the rights of Métis people and laying the groundwork for Manitoba’s entry into Confederation. He was executed for treason by the Government of Canada, but today he is remembered as a hero and a founder.

Métis Week grew out of this moment in history. It is now recognized across Canada as an opportunity to educate, reflect, and celebrate Métis identity. Schools, cultural centres, and governments fly the Métis flag, host community events, and share the stories that shape Métis life.

At Métis Crossing, every week is Métis Week in spirit. As Alberta’s first major Métis cultural destination, we carry forward the stories, traditions, and teachings that Riel fought to preserve. We invite guests of all backgrounds to learn about our shared history—not only to honour the past, but to help shape a more respectful and inclusive future.

Signature Experiences, Music, and Art

Métis culture is vibrant, expressive, and deeply rooted in land, family, and tradition. During Métis Week, these expressions come into even sharper focus. Whether you’re joining us in person or learning from afar, there are countless ways to connect with Métis culture through music, art, storytelling, and hands-on experiences.

Signature Experiences

Our Signature Experiences offer a rich introduction to the lifeways of the Métis. These immersive, hands-on sessions are led by Knowledge Holders and Elders who guide visitors through traditions that have been passed down through generations. From sash weaving and hide tanning to trapper tent tours and wildlife walks, every experience is a window into the ingenuity and beauty of Métis life.

Guests are invited to step into the rhythm of traditional practices, learn about seasonal cycles, and explore how the Métis have lived in harmony with the land for centuries. These experiences are not just educational—they are transformative.

Music

Music is central to Métis culture. The lively sounds of the fiddle and the percussive energy of the Métis jig speak to joy, resilience, and community. During Métis Week, you might hear the melodies that once echoed through fur trade posts and family kitchens. Fiddling, jigging, and community dances are part of the cultural fabric that connects generations.

Whether learning a basic jig step or simply listening to a traditional tune, music offers an immediate and heartfelt entry into Métis culture. The stories embedded in each song carry messages of love, loss, resistance, and renewal.

Art

Beading, quillwork, embroidery, and tufting are not just crafts—they are forms of storytelling. Each design carries meaning. Each stitch reflects patience, memory, and care. Métis artisans draw from a blend of Indigenous and European influences, resulting in a distinctly Métis style known for its floral patterns and vibrant colours.

Throughout Métis Crossing, art is everywhere: adorning clothing, displayed in galleries, or taught through workshops. During Métis Week, we honour the artists and knowledge keepers who carry these traditions forward and share them with the next generation.

A Celebration for All

Métis Week is about pride, remembrance, and learning—but most importantly, it is about community. It is a time when Métis families, youth, Elders, and allies gather to share stories, honour ancestors, and celebrate culture. Whether you have Métis roots or are simply eager to learn, this week is an open invitation to be part of something meaningful.

At Métis Crossing, we welcome all visitors to join in that spirit. While there are no official events on-site this year, every visit to Métis Crossing offers opportunities for reflection and connection. From exploring our historic homesteads to sharing bannock around the fire, each moment spent here is a chance to better understand what it means to be Métis.

Louis Riel once said, “My people will sleep for one hundred years. When they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.” Métis Week is a powerful reminder that we are wide awake—creating, sharing, and walking forward together.

We encourage you to:

• Learn about the history of the Métis Nation and the life of Louis Riel.
• Explore Métis music, art, and storytelling traditions.
• Support Métis artists, educators, and entrepreneurs.
• Visit Métis Crossing to experience culture and community firsthand.

Whether you’re visiting this week or planning a future trip, you are welcome here. Métis Week is more than a moment in the calendar—it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and belonging. And it lives in every song, every story, and every guest who walks our path.

Learn more about Métis history, culture, and experiences year-round at Métis Crossing.

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