By Charles Lefebvre

Métis Nation of Alberta running registration drive this summer

Apr 24, 2019 | 5:27 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Métis Nation of Alberta are helping people get closer to the heritage this summer.

Representatives from the nation are travelling across Alberta this summer, and made a stop at the Miywasin Centre Wednesday afternoon. While at the centre, they were helping people begin registering as a citizen of the Métis Nation.

“To become a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta, you have to go through a registration process, and that’s part of why we’re here today, so people can begin the process and the application,” said Bruce Gladue, director for Métis rights and accommodation with the Métis Nation of Alberta. “Once they’re done that, the application will go to Edmonton, go through our genealogy process and if the person qualifies, they will receive their citizenship card in the mail.”

In order for a person to become a citizen, they need a completed family tree that clearly outlines their Métis ancestry, dating back to the mid-1800s, according to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

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Gladue says there are some advantages available for people who are citizens, including in education and housing.

“In terms of education, we have Rupertsland Institute, that’s able to provide some funding for training for Métis peoples, as well as assisting folks in getting their degrees, or the last two years of their degree,” he said. “There are some benefits that flow from it already.”

“We also have a social housing program called Métis urban housing. That’s where folks are able to rent these houses for a portion of their income, and that’s to help them get their foot up, and hopefully look into purchasing their own houses someday.”

Gladue says there are approximately 40,000 people registered as Metis in their system.

Representatives will be at the centre until 7 p.m. tonight. Gladue says they will be in Medicine Hat again on May 23 for those unable to attend.

More information about applications can be found here.