Metis Crossing offers Unique Cultural Experiences in Smoky Lake County

Metis Crossing offers Unique Cultural Experiences in Smoky Lake County

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Metis Crossing tells the distinct Indigenous story of the Metis people through a variety of hands on cultural activities, and recently added a number of new experiences for visitors this winter.

Located 14 kilometres south of the Town of Smoky Lake, Metis Crossing is situated just off the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River. It encompasses 512 acres of land comprised of river lot titles from the original Metis settlers to the region in the late 1800’s.

Breathtaking scenery and many unique offerings make this an unforgettable place, and one that provides a whole host of experiences for people near and far to enjoy.

Lilyrose Meyers, Traditional Knowledge Keeper and Teacher at Metis Crossing, recently shared some of the history of the Metis people during Tales from the Trapline, an immersive experience which included in part: the traditional winter activity of snowshoeing, a demonstration on how to set a snare, influence of the fur trade and way of life for the Metis in the Victoria and Lobstick settlements.

Sporting traditional capotes are: Leon Boychuk-Hunter, Rachelle Amyotte, Charne Roodt and Lilyrose Meyers.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

One of the highlights of winter 2021 and 2022 are tours of the Visions, Hopes and Dreams Wildlife Park.

On September 25, The Visions, Hopes and Dreams Wildlife Park welcomed the return of Woods Bison, Plains Bison, White Bison, Elk, White Elk, and Percheron horses to the traditional Métis Lands at Métis Crossing.

Len Hrehorets, owner of Visions, Hopes and Dreams, stated that, “Visions, Hopes and Dreams began as a way to provide hope for my family, yet never reached its full potential. The last two years, I have worked with Métis Crossing to develop a partnership to progress this dream to showcase my buffalo to the world. Today, each of us provides important contributions to the joint venture, creating something better than either of us could have achieved alone.”

Metis Crossing Manager Leon Boychuk-Hunter was more than happy to provide a personal tour of the wildlife park during a visit on Dec. 11. Meyers, who came along for the ride, pointed out that white bison are rare. It is believed that these bison and other species last roamed the hills in this area around 1865.

Also, new to Metis Crossing are cross-country ski trails. Boychuk-Hunter said the trails were designed by by three time Olympic medalist Beckie Scott. The trails include groomed beginner, 1 km, 4 km and 5 km trails.

Rare white bison.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Added to the list of winter activities are: horse drawn sleigh rides, snow tubing, tobogganing and outdoor skating.

Indigenous cuisine and cultural exhibits along with the workshops take place in the Cultural Interpretive Centre that was designed byMetis Architect Tiffany Shaw-Collinge. The centre opened in 2020 and incorporates traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create a structure that hints at the building style of the fur trade era rive lot homes with the functionality of a contemporary place to gather, learn and share.

Another exciting development at Metis Crossing is its 40 room boutique lodge that is nearing completion. It is expected to open at the end of January, and will be a welcome addition to this one-of-a-kind place that is steeped in history and one that will continue to make history in the months and years to come.