PAGE 8
News Advertiser
october 14, 2020
www.NewsAdvertiser.com
Métis Crossing a Place of Pride Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Métis Crossing is a place of pride. It is a place steeped in history, but not stuck in history. That was evidenced most recently with news of an expansion project on the historical site which is located along the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the Town of Smoky Lake. On Oct. 5 an official groundbreaking ceremony for a new 40 room boutique Lodge took place on the site. The Government of Alberta is contributing $1 million towards the project. “Métis Crossing is an important gathering place that showcases the history of a proud people, the Métis Nation of Alberta. Adding a 40-room boutiquestyle lodge to Métis Crossing means more visitors will be able to enjoy the cultural activities. It also means more jobs for the local economy, helping grow Alberta’s tourism industry and
boost year-round visits across the province,” said, Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations. The new 40-room lodge is expected to be operational by summer 2021,
opportunity to stay overnight, experiencing all that Métis Crossing and the Smoky Lake region have to offer. “Métis Crossing is continuing to expand. It is a reflection of the interest
Métis Nation of Alberta President Audrey Poitras, right, and Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson break ground on the boutique lodge on Oct. 5. (Métis Crossing/Submitted Photo)
complimenting the recently completed Cultural Gathering Centre on the 512acre historic Métis river lot site. These combined facilities will offer visitors the
and demand we are seeing for Indigenous experiences in Alberta,” said Juanita Marois, Executive Director, Métis Crossing. “Everyone at Métis
Crossing is thrilled that the Government of Alberta has recognized the value in Indigenous Tourism and in what we offer here at Métis Crossing. They have stepped up in such a major way to support Métis Crossing as a destination for Métis cultural interpretation.” Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta. “Métis Crossing has been a dream of Alberta’s Métis for decades. With support from Alberta and other partners, we have built a place where Albertans and tourists can experience the exciting culture of Alberta’s Métis. With this new lodge, Métis Crossing elevates the Indigenous tourism experience in our province.” The cultural interpretive centre, which opened in December of 2019, has played host to a number of special events, conferences, workshops, a variety of hands-on experiences, weddings, and most recently, hosting graduation ceremonies for H.A. Kostash School. Other activities include: curriculumbased student educational activities and experiences, classroom facilities, camping facilities, and trappers’ tents during the summer months. “Métis Crossing is meant to be a place to experience,” stated Marois. They strive to represent and share elements of Metis culture including: pride of culture, family reconnection and reconciliation, sacredness of place, and empathy and acknowledgement. All
Métis Crossing - CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
FAMILY BUILT. FAMILY BACKED. Serving Western Canada for Over 20 Years!
‘SUPERIOR’ FOUNDATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERED | ENERGY EFFICIENT | PRE-CAST CEMENT
POST FRAME - STUD FRAME - PRECAST Shops | Barns | Riding Arenas | Machine storage
780-603-5095
