City of Calgary kicks off Métis Week celebrations in partnership with Otipemisiwak Métis Government

Today, The City of Calgary and Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation Battle River Territory – Nose Hill Métis District 5 & Elbow Métis District 6, jointly opened 2023 Métis Week through flag raising and Mayoral Proclamation. For more than 20 years The City has formally proclaimed the week this way, recognizing the significant role that Métis people have played in Calgary, and the contributions they continue to make to our city.  

Opening ceremonies took place at City Hall, starting with a flag raising, and Proclamation of Métis Week by Mayor Jyoti Gondek, as well as a series of speeches and traditional entertainment including Metis Jigging.  

"As Métis people in Alberta move forward to the formation of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, there is also an opportunity to recognize the ways they have shaped our city," says Mayor Jyoti Gondek. "Proclaiming Métis Week is one way we can celebrate the enduring contributions of the Métis community to our culture and economy." 

"Métis Week is a time for us to come together as a community and honour the rich cultural heritage and history of the Métis people in Calgary,” says Carmen LaSante, District Captain, Otipemisiwak Metis Government. “This week especially, we look forward to a future where Metis people have a greater say in how we live, learn, work and raise our families." 

The City of Calgary encourages all residents to participate in Metis Week events around Calgary this week.