Indigenous News

January 2023

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

ASBA Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards | Deadline: Feb. 3, 2023
Submissions are now open for the 2023 Honouring Spirit: Indigenous Student Awards! Nomination packages in both English and French are available online. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 3, 2023. Hosted by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA), these awards celebrate exceptional First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, nominated by members of their education communities, based on their exemplary leadership, courage and commitment to their cultures and educational paths. Last year, ASBA received over 200 unique nomination letters and submissions from across the province. Students may be nominated by other students, teachers, principals, superintendents, education directors, trustees, school staff, Elders or a member of the education community. Watch past student recipients speak about why these awards are so special. If you’re interested in having your child nominated, connect with your school’s administration or Mrs. Rice to begin the process. 

Family Gatherings | February, April and June
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team will be hosting family gatherings again, but we’ll be in person this year. Gatherings are a time in the evening when we can meet together to share, learn and connect. All family members are welcome and dinner will be provided at all gatherings. More details and registration will be shared with families closer to each event, but for planning purposes, the dates are as follows:

• Thursday, February 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Explore the Indigenous Peoples’ Giant Floor Map (hosted at James Mowat Elementary, Fort Saskatchewan)

• Thursday, April 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Art with Métis knowledge holder Connie Kuhlhavy (hosted at EIPS Central Services, Sherwood Park)

• Thursday, June 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Land-based Learning (hosted at EIPS Central Services land-based learning space, Sherwood Park)

Cultural Programs | Late Winter and Spring
The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team is busy working with Elders and knowledge holders to plan a variety of cultural learning experiences for students and families. More details will be shared as plans are finalized, but know there are many exciting opportunities coming soon!

Direct Student Support

Study Help for Métis students Rupertsland Institute has secured access to Alberta ExamBank for K-12 Métis students to test their understanding through online practice. Métis students can sign up for the RECC Room to find the login for their MNA Region. Questions? Contact education@rupertsland.org.

Métis Nation of Alberta Outstanding Youth Award | Deadline: Jan. 30, 2023

Do you know an outstanding Métis youth in your community who you’d like to nominate for the 2023 Outstanding Métis Youth Award? Fill out the submission form by January 30. The nominee must be between the ages of 12-29 and must be a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta.  For more information, email youth@metis.org. 

Resources of Interest

Beautiful Michif Album

Métis singer/songwriter/actress Andrea Menard recently released her latest album, Anskoonamakew lii Shansoon, meaning Giveaway Songs. The collection of 10 songs are sung in and translated into the different languages and dialects of Michif people and are a way for Andrea to help share and preserve the Michif language. The songs can be streamed from a variety of platforms. A short video, the album and the lyric sheets are available on her website. Did you know: EIPS teacher Shelly Grauman’s daughter, Tai Amy Grauman, is a Métis playwright, and a song from one of her plays is included in the collection? Amazing talent!

At-home Supports for Métis Youth and Families

Are you a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA)? The MNA Children and Family Services team offers a variety of supports, programs and resources at no cost to citizens.   

Opportunity for Youth in the Fort Saskatchewan Area

The Indigenous Society of Fort Saskatchewan is offering powwow teaching for youth in the community.
    Wednesdays, Jan. 25 to June 14, 2023
    6 to 7:30 p.m.
    No classes March 29 or May 10
    Location: TBD

Spaces are available for 25 girls and 25 boys. There will be a performance during the MMIWG2S Gathering at Legacy Park on May 5. Register by emailing isfortsask@yahoo.com. 

Winter Land Learning at Métis Crossing

Whether you and your kids are outdoor enthusiasts or like to keep busy and warm indoors, one thing is true, Metis Crossing has it all. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating rink and so much more! Enjoy our signature, locally sourced barista coffee at the Bistro in the Lodge or indulge in Métis-inspired lunches at the Cultural Gathering Centre. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 780-656-2229 or visit metiscrossing.com.  

U of A First Peoples’ House Annual Round Dance | January 28

The University of Alberta and First Peoples’ House will host their annual Round Dance to honour grads on January 28.
    Saturday, January 28
    University of Alberta Main Gym, Van Vliet Complex
    Doors open: 4 p.m.
    Round Dance: 5 to 11 p.m.
    Event poster
The event will be hosted by MCs Cornell Tootoosis and Adrian Lachance and feature stickmen Lyle Tootoosis and Colin Raine and firekeeper Kyson Morin. Parking is available at the Education or Stadium parkade for $5.50. For more information, call 780-492-5677 or email FPH@ualberta.ca. 

Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society: Community Round Dance | February 4

The Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and Women Building Futures will host an Honouring the Community Round Dance on February 4.
    Saturday, February 4
    Alberta Aviation Museum
    2 to 10 p.m.
    Facebook event
    Event poster
The event will be hosted by MC Elmer Rattlesnake and feature stickman Rocky Morin. For more information, contact the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society at 780-481-3451, extension 0. 

Local Cultural Workshops

Elders and knowledge holders are busy preparing courses for the community, offered through Michif Cultural Connections in St Albert. On February 10, knowledge holder and bead artist Connie Kulhavy will offer a class on beaded hearts. Visit the Michif Cultural Connections Facebook page for all upcoming events, workshops and gatherings and for details on how to register. 

Metis ALIVE in Beaumont offers a wide variety of wonderful cultural workshops with local Elders and knowledge holders. The next course, sewing traditional mittens with Elder Joyce Beaver, takes place February 11. Visit the Metis ALIVE Facebook page for more details.