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WE ARE TURNING 20!

Join us as we celebrate our 20th anniversary in the beautiful community of St. Albert and our matriarch Dr Thelma Chalifoux with a year long celebration filled with classes , drop in activities, online classes and so much more!

Check back or follow us on Facebook and Eventbrite for updates. We look forward to seeing you!

Maarsii.
Michif Cultural Connections Staff

OUR STORY

Michif Cultural Connections was founded by the Honourable Senator Dr. Thelma J. Chalifoux. She was honoured and proud to be the first Métis woman called to serve in the Senate of Canada in 1997. After retiring in 2004, Dr. Chalifoux founded the Michif Cultural Institute (now Michif Cultural Connections) in the historic Métis community of St. Albert to preserve, promote, protect and celebrate Alberta’s rich Métis culture. We are proud to honour her memory by continuing this important work and ensuring her legacy lives on.

Senator Chalifoux passed away on September 22, 2017. Visit her memorial page to learn more about the tireless work Senator Chalifoux did for the Métis community.

Visit our News page to view articles, videos, and news stories about our organization and our people.

OUR MISSION

Through leadership and education, Michif Cultural Connections provides programs, facilitates workshops, and exhibits Métis museum artifacts at the historic Juneau House in St. Albert, in the province of Alberta, Canada.

We have also established a library and keep archival documents in order to preserve, promote, and protect Alberta Métis history.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Traditional Finger Weaving
  • Drum Making Workshops
  • Beaded Moccasin Making Classes
  • Earring and Jewelry Workshops
  • Jigging Classes
  • Traditional Medicine Teachings
  • Smudging Workshops
  • Blanket Exercises

Previous Classes

DUCKBOOTS/BEADED MITTENS

Instructor: Elder Joyce Beaver
Feb 29/30 - Mar 8/9 2020

$200 per person (all materials, supplies, and teachings included; must attend both weekends)

$50 deposit recommended to save a spot! Register by messaging us through our facebook page or sending us an email at michifculturalconnections@gmail.com.

Classes at Michif Cultural Connections, 9 Mission Ave, St. Albert, AB

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ELDERS-IN-RESIDENCE

Robert Coulter is one of our Edlers in residence , a culture-bearer and Métis historian who has developed healing plans, conducted sharing circles, formed a traditional drum group, and facilitated men's support groups. Recently, he was an Elder-in-Residence at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre on Vancouver Island, but strong family ties in St. Albert and greater Edmonton region have brought him back to contribute to the local Métis community.

Joyce Beaver is another of our Elders in residence, A proud Michif woman and skilled Métis artisan Joyce is a cree language keeper, community builder and storyteller. She has been both a teacher and a counsellor, recieving the lifetime achievement award at the 2023 Esquao awards Joyce keeps a busy schedule spreading traditional knowledge to anyone willing to learn, teaching the makings of Moccasins, gloves, drums, ornaments and more!

OUR RESOURCE LIBRARY

Our collection includes hundreds of books written about or by the Métis, Michif language materials, and a variety of community development and working group reports. We also house and display historic Métis artifacts. If you have any materials you wish to donate, please contact us!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MÉTIS

Follow the links to learn more about the Métis people, our Michif language, our stories, and our traditions.

GIFT SHOP

Stop in to purchase a variety of Métis arts and crafts. Online store coming soon!

OUR PEOPLE

We are a non-profit corporation run by a small staff and volunteers.


Joshua Morin - President
Trina Grosse - Vice presedent
Patty Anderson - Tresurer
Kaleigh Barteski - Secretary
Sharon Morin - Programs Manager
Michelle Pouliot - Programs Manager
Robert Coulter - Elder in residence
Joyce Beaver - Elder in residence

Past Board Members
Thelma J. Chalifoux - Founding Director
Debbie Coulter - Director of Administration

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