Our Community and Traditions
The Lakeland Métis Nation represents the interests of our Métis citizens, many of whom reside in the Lac La Biche area. Our citizens actively engage in traditional harvesting practices across northeastern Alberta, particularly along the Athabasca River north of Fort McMurray. These practices, which include hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering on crown land, are essential components of our cultural heritage.
Governance of the Lakeland Métis Nation is overseen by an elected board of directors. Our community is diverse, comprising Elders, youth, heads of households, working individuals, entrepreneurs, and students. These members are united by family ties, a sense of community, a rich historical heritage, and a commitment to preserving the Métis traditions.
In Alberta, Métis organizations must undergo the Credible Assertion process to engage in consultations with the Provincial government. This process requires demonstrating Métis Aboriginal rights according to the government's procedure. To achieve Credible Assertion, the Lakeland Métis Nation has focused on capacity-building, comprehensive research, and collaboration with the Government of Alberta. We completed our formal submission on August 5, 2022.
Programs & Legacy
Lakeland Métis Nation Programs
Lakeland Métis Nation 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 Nation 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.