The Talking Stick

November’s Indigenous Education theme is Métis History & Culture. This month, we invite students, families and staff to learn about the rich histories, cultures, languages, traditions, stories and contemporary experiences of Métis people. Métis Week, November 15–21, provides an opportunity to recognize Métis history, celebrate Métis culture and learn about the contributions and leadership of Métis people. As we learn, we can look beyond historical figures and explore the many ways Métis culture continues to be lived and expressed today through family, community, language, music, dance, art, land and relationships.

November brings iyikopiwipîsim (Frost Moon), a time when the first frosts settle across the land and the seasons continue their transition toward winter. The changing landscape offers an opportunity to slow down, notice what is happening around us and think about the knowledge carried through generations. As the land prepares for winter, we can reflect on the importance of family, community, resilience and the relationships that help us learn, grow and carry teachings forward.

Métis Week Community Events

November 15–21 | Edmonton

Métis Week brings a variety of community-led opportunities to learn, gather, celebrate and connect. Events include the Louis Riel Commemorative Walk, Métis markets, community gatherings, youth programming, storytelling and opportunities to learn more about Métis history and culture.

Check the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and City of Edmonton event pages for updated 2026 event details as they're released.

Otipemisiwak Métis Government Events

Jigging Lessons

November 5, 12, 19 & 26 | 6–8 p.m. | Métis Veteran’s Building, Edmonton

Métis jigging is more than a dance—it's an expression of cultural pride, resilience, music, movement and community. These weekly lessons are part of the Métis youth cultural enrichment programming offered through the Otipemisiwak Métis Government's Edmonton Whitemud Métis District and are an opportunity to experience Métis culture through movement and music.

Jigging Lessons — Otipemisiwak Métis Government

Métis Cultural Connections

St. Albert

For families interested in learning more about local Métis history and culture, Michif Cultural Connections in St. Albert offers cultural programming, education, workshops and opportunities to learn about Métis history and heritage.

Michif Cultural Connections

EIPS Métis Week Lunch & Learn: Métis History & Culture
November 27 | 12:05–12:25 p.m. | Virtual

Join Jerome for a short Métis Week Lunch & Learn exploring Métis history and culture. Together, we’ll learn more about Métis identity, history, culture and the stories that have shaped Métis communities, with opportunities to consider how this learning can connect to our classrooms and work with students.

Bring your lunch, come as you are and take a little time to learn, listen, and celebrate Métis history and culture during Métis Week!

Teams Meeting Link

Niwicitonan Playgroup — Online Session

November 18 | 9:00–10:30 a.m. | Virtual

Join Susan Sinclair, a Michif language and traditional knowledge keeper, for storytelling and Métis-centred parenting teachings. While designed for families, this opportunity may also be of interest to educators looking to learn more about Métis approaches to family, community, language and traditional knowledge.

Niwicitonan Playgroup & Métis Programs

Métis History & Culture Resources for Educators

The Edmonton Public Library has curated a collection of books by Métis authors, including Maria Campbell, Howard Adams, Chelsea Vowel, and other Métis writers. These selections include memoir, poetry, graphic novels, fiction, and nonfiction and can provide opportunities to centre Métis voices in classroom learning.

EPL — Books by Métis Authors

November 15–22 — Métis Week
November 16 — Louis Riel Day

November 18 — Niwicitonan Playgroup
November 27 — EIPS Lunch and Learn

• Métis Like Me — Tasha Hilderman, illustrated by Risa Hugo

• The Moccasins — Earl Einarson, illustrated by Julie Flett

• Halfbreed — Maria Campbell

• Buffalo Is the New Buffalo — Chelsea Vowel

• Stories of Métis Women: Tales My Kookum Told Me — Bailey Oster & Marilyn Lizee