Nov. 7, 2023
Dive into a journey through time with ݮƵ's Métis Week celebration
Nov. 12 to 18 is Métis Week in Alberta, a time to celebrate the heritage, history and contributions Métis people have made in Alberta and Canada and to commemorate the legacy of Louis Riel. In honour of Métis Week, the ݮƵ’s Office of Indigenous Engagement will host a webinar on Nov 15, to share Métis culture, lived experiences and ways of knowing.
This year’s Métis Week programming will feature a presentation about , Alberta’s first major Métis cultural destination providing education, gatherings and cultural interpretations. Giving the presentation will be the cultural centre’s CEO, Juanita Marois.
Marois is a proud member of Alberta’s Métis Nation and has over 15 years of experience in the tourism industry, focused on socio-economic development, Indigenous tourism and community investment projects that feed her collaborative approach to Métis Crossing. Earlier this year, Marois was recognized by the Globe and Mail as one of and won a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee award.
Presenting alongside Marois will be Art Cunningham, a Métis Crossing board member and retired Indigenous Relations practitioner with over 35 years of experience in building positive relationships with Indigenous communities in Canada. Cunnigham is also adviser and board member for many non-profit organizations such as the and the and is a former board member of .
The presentation and discussion will be moderated by Dr. Aubrey Hanson, associate professor in curriculum and learning at the . Hanson is descended from Red River Métis and has served in leadership and service roles for the Alberta Métis Education Council and , among other groups furthering the study of Indigenous history and culture. To being the webinar in a good way, the Office of Indigenous Engagement has invited Doreen Bergum, a Métis Elder on ݮƵ’s Circle of Advisers, to provide an opening blessing.
Register online and join ݮƵ in celebrating Métis history and culture.
Celebrate Métis Week 2023 | Wednesday, Nov. 15
12 – 1:30 p.m. MST
Online/webinar
The ݮƵ’s Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p, is a commitment to deep evolutionary transformation by reimagining ways of knowing, doing, connecting and being. Walking parallel paths together, “in a good way,” ݮƵ is moving toward genuine reconciliation and Indigenization.