SOLD OUT - Métis Crossing: A Winter Gathering

Thank you for your interest! This event is now at capacity, please email indigenousalumni@ualberta.ca for further inquiries.

Located just outside of Edmonton, Métis Crossing is where Métis culture comes to life! On February 28, 2026, bring the whole family (ages five and up recommended) for an unforgettable winter experience filled with learning, discovery and fun.

Schedule

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Arrival and Check-in

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Brunch and Keynote

We'll begin our event with an opening prayer by an Elder, followed by a delicious, home-cooked meal from Métis Crossing chefs. The morning culminates in an inspiring keynote address from celebrated poet and writer Marilyn Dumont, ’90 BA, as she shares her stories and writings with us.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Day of Adventure

Opt for one of two activities offering a unique, hands-on experience:

• Tales from the Trapline: Get outside to experience Métis trapper traditions and land-based knowledge passed down through generations. Don a traditional Capote and snowshoes to explore the outdoors, learning skills like setting snares and traps, identifying animal tracks, the art of fire building and more.
• Traditional Métis Art: Stay indoors and dive into the vibrant world of Métis art. This activity offers insights into the unique artistic heritage and cultural significance of Métis craftsmanship. You'll create your own unique piece of traditional Métis art to take home as a cherished souvenir.

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Dinner & Fiddling

Enjoy another Métis-inspired dinner complemented by a lively Métis musical performance.

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Stories by the Fire

For those staying the evening or wishing to stay onsite a little longer, join our Elder by the cozy fireplace to hear traditional Métis stories.

Complimentary Shuttle Service 

Optional Accommodations

To arrange weekend accommodations instead of driving home that night, a group discounted rate is available. Please ensure you contact Métis Crossing early to secure the best availability.

Contact Details

Call: 780-656-2229

Email: lodgereception@metis.org

Visit their website for more details on their lodging options.

Elder and Speaker Details

Elder Elmer Ghostkeeper, ’80 BA, ’95 MA, ’23 LLD(Honorary)

Dr. Elmer Ghostkeeper was born to parents Adolphus and Elsie Ghostkeeper at the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement in Alberta. He speaks fluent Michif. Elmer is a father, grandfather, teacher, philosopher, community leader, business person, knowledge keeper and scholar. As a member of the Métis Nation, Elmer has worked throughout his life to promote the rights of Métis peoples in Canada, including advocating for the inclusion of Métis peoples among the Aboriginal peoples of Canada in the Canadian Constitution.

Marilyn Dumont, ’90 BA

Métis poet, writer, and Professor Marilyn Dumont teaches for the faculties of Arts and Native Studies at the University of Alberta and is proud of Métis family lines from her Mother’s - Vaness / Dufresne families and her father’s - Boudreau/Dumont families. She was awarded the 2018 Lifetime Membership from the League of Canadian Poets for her contributions to poetry in Canada. In 2019, she received the University of Alberta Distinguished Alumni Award and the Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s Distinguished Artist Award, and in 2022 was Awarded the Alberta Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal for public service. Her four collections of poetry have won provincial or national awards: A Really Good Brown Girl (1996); green girl dreams Mountains (2001); that tongued belonging (2007); The Pemmican Eaters (2015). A fifth collection surrounding Indigenous history of Edmonton, called South Side of a Kinless River was published by Brick Books in 2024.

Adam Daigneault

Adam is Cree and Métis from Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan. He was raised traditionally by his grandparents, surrounded by fiddle music. As a young boy, Adam played guitar and then started learning the fiddle, performing for the first time at 15 years old. He attends many old-time fiddle dances in his community and local communities. Now, Adam is a fiddle champion and has composed his own music. He is an all-around artist. Adam travels around the country playing his fiddle at dance halls, festivals, and private functions. Currently residing in central Alberta and working as an Educator, Adam is musically active and always looks forward to his next music gig and travel adventure.