Honoring Metis History: Important Dates, Our Land and Our PeopleSubmitted by Lori St. Cyr, CLN Metis & Indigenous Liaison and North Regional Support Staff
November is an important month to recognize Metis and Indigenous history, culture and contributions. Throughout the month of November, there are many opportunities to learn about important events, people and stories that helped shape our history.
I invite you to put on your curiosity cap and take some time to explore the resources below and to learn something new!
November 1 - Metis Settlements Proclamation Day
On November 1, 1990, Alberta and the eight land-based Metis Settlements reached an important agreement that marked the starting of a new era of land protection and local self- government.
Did you know Alberta is home to the only legislated Metis Settlements in Canada?
To learn more, explore the links below:
Metis Settlement General Council History https://www.msgc.ca/our-history
Metis Settlements Government of Alberta https://www.alberta.ca/metis-settlements
November 8 - Indigenous Veterans Day
On November 8, we honor First Nations, Metis and Inuit Veterans for their service, sacrifices and contributions.
Their stories are an important part of Canada’s history, including many stories that may have not been heard before.
To learn more, explore the links below:
Indigenous Veterans- Veterans Affairs Canada
https://veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/indigenous-veterans
Charles “Checker” Tomkins – A Metis Cree Code Talker
Did you know that a Metis man from Grouard, Alberta near High Prairie played a very important role in secret military communication during the Second World War?
To learn more about Charles Tomkins explore the links below:
Canadian Encyclopedia Charles Tomkins https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/charles-tomkins
National Geographic: Hear the Untold Story of the Canadian Code Talker
https://youtu.be/VzkEsMYxhFM?si=8ZuavNQMM-ztv3w4
November 15 - 22 Metis Week Celebrations 2026
Metis week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Metis history, culture, traditions and contributions.
Throughout the week, communities and organizations across Alberta host activities and events. I encourage you to explore what is happening in your community or surrounding areas. Take the time to learn, explore and celebrate!
Government of Alberta – Metis Week
https://www.alberta.ca/annual-metis-week-celebrations#jumplinks-0
1938 – Metis Population Betterment Act
On November 22, 1938, Alberta passed the Metis Population Betterment Act that led to the creation of the 12 original land-based Metis Settlements (colonies). Four of the Settlements were later dissolved, leaving the eight that are currently in Alberta today.
To learn more, explore the links below:
Metis Settlement General Council History https://www.msgc.ca/our-history
Metis Population Betterment Act, 1938 Legislation https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.852300/publication.html
November is a time to recognize, honor and celebrate Metis and Indigenous history, culture and contributions. These stories shared are a small portion of the much larger, richer history of the Metis.
Stay curious, explore the resources and discover the people, events, legislation and stories that have helped shape Alberta.
Lori St. Cyr