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 University of Calgary’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 Métis Crossing, 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 Canada’s 50 business changemakers for 2023 and won a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee award.

Clockwise from top left: Juanita Marois, Art Cunningham, Doreen Bergum, Aubrey Hanson.
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 Calgary Friendship Center and the Circle for Aboriginal Relations and is a former board member of Métis Calgary Family Services.

The presentation and discussion will be moderated by Dr. Aubrey Hanson, associate professor in curriculum and learning at the Werklund School of Education. Hanson is descended from Red River Métis and has served in leadership and service roles for the Alberta Métis Education Council and Indigenous Literary Studies Association, 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 UCalgary’s Circle of Advisers, to provide an opening blessing.

Register online and join UCalgary in celebrating Métis history and culture.

Celebrate Métis Week 2023 | Wednesday, Nov. 15

12 – 1:30 p.m. MST