Metis Crossing∞

Open daily from May long weekend to September long weekend.

∞

Daily tours of our Metis Museum, Historic Village, Nature Trail, Restored Homesteads.

∞

Garden and Antique Farm machinery display.

∞

Zip line Rides∞

Campground and Gift Shop

∞

Playground and day use area.

Historic VillageOur historic village consists of 3 trappers tents that are set up with displays of furs and artifacts like they would have been in the 1800’sYou can enjoy a cup of tea and cook bannock on a stick over the fire.

The HomesteadsWe have two restored homesteads on site. The Cromarty and Sinclair homesteads are not only set up as Metis homesteads, they are also used during special events by our Artisans. Demonstrations could include beading, birch bark, weaving and fish scale art to name a few.

The MuseumThe restored barn now houses our Metis museum upstairs and a meeting room downstairs. Our history tells of many barn dances in this barn.

Zip Lines∞

The newest attraction to Metis Crossing are the Zip Lines which opened in July 2008.

∞

It is an exhilarating six line course that give you a wonderful view of some of our great scenic wilderness.

Gathering Place∞

Not only is Metis Crossing known for it’s friendly staff but for the wonderful teachings and gorgeous scenery along the North Saskatchewan River.

∞

Metis Crossing is available for weddings, family reunions and other special events.

Special Event Days∞

National Aboriginal Day -

June 18, 2011∞

Metis Crossing Music Jamboree -

July 23 & 24, 2011

∞

Métis Crossing Voyage 2011 - August 27 & 28, 2011

The Métis

∞ The Métis are one of Canada’s three distinct Aboriginal peoples

∞ There are 389,785 Métis in Canada∞ Alberta has the largest provincial population

with over 85,500

Métis Nation of AlbertaTo pursue the advancement of the socio-economic

and cultural well-being of Metis people in Alberta

∞ Founded in 1928, the oldest provincial Métis association in Canada

∞ 40,000 registered members

The Dream∞

Began many years ago–

The Metis Nation of Alberta leadership -

wanted a place to

share our Métis culture–

Provincial Executive decided to make this dream a reality

Where should this place be? •

The Metis Millennium Voyage identified numerous locations (60+) across Alberta that have historical importance to the Metis People.

•

Our current location was one of 12 determined to be the most promising for development.

•

About that time the People that owned this land was wanting to sell and approached the MNA, as they wanted it returned to the Metis People.

The Land∞

The land was sold in 1975 to the Schafer’s

∞

Sold to MNA in 2001

River lots homesteaded in the River lots homesteaded in the late 1800s by the Magnus late 1800s by the Magnus Cromarty, Peter Erasmus and Cromarty, Peter Erasmus and Norn Families.Norn Families.

•

The Metis Nation developed a proposal for the land development in order to gain the interest of their bank which did happen.

•

They then approached 3 Metis businessmen that agreed to give them the money to pay off the debt at the bank.

•

This initial support helped them secure Government support in the form of a centennial legacies grant for development.

•

The Victoria Landing Development Board was created and in 2006 changed the name to The Metis Crossing Board.

Hub of an overall

MNA Tourism Strategy

Métis Crossing

Métis Crossing

MissionMétis Crossing is a major initiative of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Our mission is to be a premiere centre for Alberta Métis cultural interpretation, education, gatherings, and business development. Our 512 acre site will be designed to engage and excite visitors. Our programming will encourage active participation of visitors in activities that promote an appreciation of our people, customs, and celebrations.

Metis Crossing GoalsMétis Crossing will:∞

Share our Métis story with all people

∞

Be a gathering place ∞

Achieve financial self-reliance

∞

Be developed free of capital debt

Process∞

Extensive consultation∞

People, agencies, communities

∞

Historic research∞

Environmental audit

∞

Métis involvement and capacity building

∞

Business plan∞

Marketing plan

∞

Operational Manual∞

Master Plan

Metis Owned and Operated∞Conducted workshops with Metis People

from across the province to gather their story's.

∞Together developed the Metis story line.∞Determined what development should be at

Metis Crossing. ∞What should happen at Metis Crossing∞Developed the Metis Crossing authentic

experience.

How did we do it?Believed in our dream of having a place to

showcase our Metis culture!Lot’s of hard work by MNA staff , Metis

Crossing Staff and volunteers!AND

Fund development∞ Meaningful partnerships∞ Relationship building∞ Government, corporations, individuals

Threads of the Sash …Red Thread ($500,000 -

$1,000,000)

Blue Thread ($200,000 -

$499,999)

Our Progress

Phased openings∞ Centennial Opening (2005)∞ Opened for first season (2006)∞ Now completed our Fifth season ∞ Future Developments -

ongoing

Community BenefitsMétis Crossing is becoming a popular

destination attraction increasing:∞Intercultural dialogues and understanding∞Community pride and sustainability∞Cultural and social experiences∞Economic Development

∞Tourists (local, national and international), attracting numerous people to the area.

∞Jobs ∞Partnership opportunities∞Other business opportunities

On Going Challenges∞Funding ∞Location∞Staffing ∞Competing with both the big tourism

business and government funded tourism.∞Seasonal operation has to start over every

year with new staff.∞Hiring Metis interpreters in a non Metis

community.

How We Measure Success∞ Increased attendance from previous year ∞Great Customer feedback ∞ Increase in revenue from year to year∞Recognition from the tourism industry∞Recognition from local area∞Continued support from Metis community. ∞ Increase in partnerships∞Ongoing partnerships

Proposed Expansion∞

Build a year round Interpretive centre

∞

Cabins for rent∞

River activities

∞

Expand on our special events∞

Increase partnerships

Learning's/Pointers∞Don’t let anyone steal your dream, keep

People around you that have the same goals. ∞Be willing to do the work, overcome the

negatives. Realize you can not please everyone.

∞Do the required business and marketing plans, build partnerships and relationships

∞Hire the expertise you don’t have.∞Don’t Quit

METIS CROSSING