Celebrating Métis Week 2024: A Journey Through Métis History, Culture, and Community in Calgary's Elbow Métis District

Métis Week 2024 was a special time for the Elbow Métis District. We gathered to celebrate our rich history, culture, and the contributions of Métis people in Southern Alberta. From November 10 to 16, we hosted a series of meaningful events that highlighted our community's connection to our roots while embracing the vibrancy of Métis culture in the modern world. Here’s a look back at the highlights of the week.

Flag Raising Ceremony
On the afternoon of November 12, the Elbow Métis District commenced Métis Week with two ceremonial flag-raising events, held at City Hall and Mount Royal University, in partnership with the City of Calgary and Mount Royal University. These events brought together community members, city officials, and students to honor the Métis flag—a powerful symbol of pride, resilience, and the ongoing journey of the Métis people.
Additionally, on November 15, we held a third flag-raising ceremony at the historic Lougheed House, further emphasizing our commitment to recognizing and celebrating Métis heritage. This ceremony, like the others, served as an important reminder of the profound historical impact that the Métis people have had on the development of Alberta and Canada. With the flags raised high, these ceremonies set a reflective and celebratory tone for the week’s events.
Métis History Talk with Matt Hiltermann
Later that evening, we were joined by Matt Hiltermann, a respected Métis historian, for an insightful talk on the history of the Métis people in Southern Alberta. Matt's knowledge and storytelling captivated the audience, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that Métis communities have faced throughout the region's history. Through his engaging stories and historical context, Matt illuminated the important role the Métis have played in shaping the history of Southern Alberta. It was an evening filled with learning, discussion, and connection, showcasing how the Métis continue to influence the landscape of the province today.
Honoring the Past: Louis Riel Letters Ceremony
On November 15, the Elbow Métis District held a private ceremony at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, a sacred and historically significant site for Métis people. This morning ceremony centered around the unveiling and reading of the Louis Riel letters, which are key documents in Métis history. The letters encapsulate the struggles, resilience, and hopes of the Métis people during a pivotal time and were shared in a respectful and solemn gathering. In the afternoon, the ceremony was opened to the public, allowing more individuals to experience its significance. The letters served as a reminder of Louis Riel's role as a leader, a symbol of Métis resistance, and a figure whose legacy continues to inspire Métis people across Canada. 
Cultural Day at Rundle Community Centre
November 16 marked the culmination of Métis Week with a vibrant Cultural Day at the Rundle Community Centre. This event provided an opportunity for everyone—Métis and non-Métis alike—to immerse themselves in the beautiful traditions and customs that make Métis culture so unique. Visitors could experience Métis dance, music, and art. Workshops showcased traditional crafts such as beadwork and tufting. The cultural day was not only a celebration of our heritage but also a chance to engage younger generations in the ongoing evolution of Métis culture.
A Night of Celebration: Dinner and Dance
The final event of Métis Week 2024 was a dinner and dance held in the evening, bringing the community together for a joyous celebration. The event featured delicious Métis-inspired food, offering attendees a taste of our culture. The dance floor came alive with energy as people enjoyed traditional Métis music and dance. From lively jigs to the sweet strains of the fiddle, it was a perfect way to conclude the week—a reminder of the strength and unity of our community.
Reflecting on Métis Week 2024
Métis Week 2024 was an unforgettable celebration of Métis history, culture, and the future of our people in the Elbow Métis District. From honoring our ancestors and sharing our history with Matt Hilltermann to celebrating our vibrant cultural traditions at the Rundle Community Centre, the week was filled with connection, learning, and joy. The closing dinner and dance allowed everyone to come together in community, reinforcing the spirit of resilience and pride that defines us as Métis people. We look forward to next year's Métis Week and hope that these events continue to serve as a bridge for sharing our culture with the world while ensuring that future generations carry forward the torch of Métis identity. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this celebration a success!