ABOUT
Lakeland Métis serves as the representative body for the interests of our Métis citizens, a significant portion of whom reside within the Lac La Biche area. Within our community, Lakeland Métis citizens actively engage in traditional harvesting practices, spanning various regions of northern Alberta, particularly along the Athabasca River north of Fort McMurray. These practices encompass seasonal mobility for traditional purposes, which include hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, and the utilization of crown land for these essential activities, all of which constitute integral components of the traditional way of life upheld by Lakeland Métis.
The governance of Lakeland Métis is overseen by an elected board of directors. Our citizenry represents a diverse cross-section of society, encompassing Elders, youth, heads of households, working individuals, entrepreneurs, and students. These diverse members of our community are united by shared bonds, including family ties, a sense of community, a rich historical heritage, and a deep commitment to preserving and perpetuating the cherished Métis way of life.
Credible Assertion
In the province of Alberta, Métis organizations are entitled to engage in consultations with the Provincial government through inclusion on the government's Aboriginal Consultation list. However, to attain this status, they must undergo the Credible Assertion process, which necessitates demonstrating a credible assertion of their Métis Aboriginal rights by following the government's designated Métis Credible Assertion procedure.
To successfully achieve Credible Assertion, Lakeland Métis has proactively undertaken capacity-building efforts, conducted comprehensive research, and engaged in collaboration with the Government of Alberta. Our formal submission to the Alberta government was duly completed on August 5, 2022.
Lakeland Métis Programs
Lakeland Métis is dedicated to providing informative programming, which is carefully managed by our board to ensure it runs smoothly and addresses the needs of our community.
We are grateful for the invaluable support of our partners and the community, without which none of our programming would be possible.
Our Partnerships
Lakeland Métis is dedicated to fostering and upholding meaningful partnerships with industry collaborators across our ancestral lands.
We actively seek opportunities to establish connections with like-minded organizations and communities that align with our core principles and share a common vision for the sustainable growth and prosperity of the Lakeland Métis community for future generations.
Our History
Our Métis citizens take great pride in their esteemed heritage, tracing their roots to the unions formed between dedicated fur traders who tirelessly plied their trade in the Saskatchewan and Athabasca River basins, and the resilient Indigenous women deeply connected to the land and their culture. It is equally important to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of later settlers originating from the Lac La Biche and Red River area, as they have played a pivotal role in shaping the rich and diverse tapestry of our beloved community.
Through shared experiences, traditions, and values, our Métis citizens have forged a unique identity steeped in history, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. This profound blend of ancestries and experiences remains the driving force behind the unity and strength of our vibrant Métis community. Lac La Biche stands as one of the oldest Métis Settlements in Western Canada, further cementing our historical significance.