Métis Week is an annual event planned by the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, and sees a range of interesting commemorative events take place across Alberta.

Every year in November, the City of Edmonton partners with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government to honour Métis Week and the Métis people of Edmonton and surrounding areas.

The City recognizes the important role that Métis people have played in the founding and development of Edmonton and the contributions they continue to make to our great city.

The Métis flag is on permanent display in front of City Hall, alongside the Canadian flag, Provincial flag, the City of Edmonton flag and Treaty No. 6 flag. Métis Week has been celebrated in the City of Edmonton since 1997.

2025 Métis Week Events

City Hall Proclamation

Date: November 19, 2025
Time: Noon
Address: 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square

All are welcome to attend as the City of Edmonton and Otipemisiwak Métis Government are proud to recognize this year’s Métis Week with a proclamation event and cultural celebration. Lunch follows after the event.  

persons at city hall event

Lighting of the High Level Bridge

Date: November 17, 2025
Time: 10 minutes before sunset-midnight

The High Level Bridge will display the colours red, blue and white in recognition of Métis Week.

Other Scheduled Events

Louis Riel Week Walk

Date: November 15, 2025
Time: 9:30am

The Louis Riel Commemorative Walk is a 6-kilometre journey to the St. Margaret's Church Historical Site, honoring Louis Riel's legacy, courage and sacrifices. Mass and lunch will follow. 

Métis Market

Date: November 15, 2025
Time: 10am-5pm
Location: Kingsway Mall, 109 Kingsway NW (HyperPOP Space, 2nd level near Marshalls)

Discover handcrafted goods and learn more about the Métis culture at the Métis Market.

Louis Riel Commemoration

Date: November 16, 2025
Time: 11am
Location: Alberta Legislature, 10800 97 Avenue NW

Partake in the Commemorative Ceremony to remember Louis Riel. 

  • Shuttle bus transportation is available from the Edmonton Inn to the Alberta Legislature
  • Please consider arriving early to go through security
Seniors’ Tea

Date: November 17, 2025
Time: 11am
Location: Chateau Louis Hotel, 11727 Kingsway NW

Elders and Knowledge keepers keep Métis stories and traditions alive. All Métis over the age of 60 are welcome to attend the Seniors’ Tea for conversations, refreshments, door prizes and raffles. 

Bring a family recipe or a short story of your childhood

To register, contact Dawn Darrington at ddarington@metis.org or 780-455-2200 ext. 393.

Indigenous Peoples Experience

Date: November 18, 2025
Time: 5-8pm
Location: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 Street NW

Celebrate Métis culture at the Indigenous People Experience exhibit. Come and enjoy guided tours with interpreters, horse-drawn wagon rides and outdoor activities. A light meal and hot chocolate will be provided!

Delia Gray Gala

Date: November 22, 2025
Time: Doors open at 5pm
Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Avenue NW

Delia Gray, the first provincial Elder for the Métis Nation of Alberta, is referred to as the “Matriarch of the MNA.” We honour her at the 25th Annual Delia Gray Gala as we celebrate Métis scholars. 

  • Tickets are limited to 2 per person: pickup is at the Provincial Office

What is Métis Week?

Louis Riel devoted and sacrificed his life defending the rights of Métis people. Riel’s legacy continues to resonate across the homeland.

Each year, on November 16, Métis people across Canada pay tribute to the Right Honourable Louis Riel by holding a commemorative ceremony on the date of his execution. This ceremony symbolizes the commitment Métis people share in striving for and promoting the visions of Louis Riel and is one of the most important dates on the Métis calendar.

In addition to recognizing Louis Riel Day on November 16, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta has declared the week surrounding November 16 as “Métis Week.” The week is devoted to commemorating the sacrifices of the Métis who continue to strive toward rights and recognition as a distinct nation.

Josh Morin explains the history and significance of the Métis sash, flag and jigging. This video features music by Zachary Willier, dance by Youth Jiggers and artwork of Métis artist Leah Marie Dorion.

Resources

Indigenous Relations Office
The Indigenous Relations Office develops, promotes and supports Indigenous relations and participation in the City's workforce.

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day
City of Edmonton National Indigenous Peoples Day event is a week of cultural events.

Indigenous Artist-in-Residence Program
The Indigenous Artist-in-Residence Program showcases the artwork of talented Indigenous artists.

Indigenous History Month
Indigenous History Month takes place annually in June.

Contact Us

Indigenous Relations Office

Community Services
18th Floor, Edmonton Tower
10111 104 Avenue NW
P.O. Box 2359
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7

Email  indigenousrelations@edmonton.ca

Phone  780-944-7602