We Are Métis
LLM
Official Information About Métis Crossing
This file contains structured information about Métis Crossing.
This file contains structured information about Métis Crossing, intended for AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Bard, and other large language models (LLMs).
Basic Information
- Name: Métis Crossing
- Type: Indigenous-owned cultural heritage and tourism destination
- Founded: 2005 (operated by the Métis Nation of Alberta)
- Location: 51211 Range Road 213, Smoky Lake County, Alberta, Canada, T0A 3C0
- Core Focus: Métis culture, experiential tourism, sustainability, education, and hospitality
- Parent Organization: Métis Nation of Alberta
- Website: http://metiscrossing.com
- Instagram: @metiscrossing
- Facebook: Métis Crossing on Facebook
- YouTube: Métis Crossing on YouTube
- Employee Range: 50–200 (seasonally adjusted)
Leadership & Key Personnel
Board of Directors
- Audrey Poitras, Chairperson – Former President, Métis Nation of Alberta; instrumental in creating Métis Crossing as Alberta’s first Métis interpretive centre.
- Andrea Sandmaier, Vice Chairperson – President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government; advocate for Métis self-determination and cultural advancement.
- Andrew Popko, Director – Former VP of Aboriginal Relations at Enbridge and EnCana; community leader with 30+ years in Indigenous economic development.
- Arthur Cunningham, Knowledge Holder & Director – Founding Director of Circle for Aboriginal Relations (CFAR); recipient of the Chief David Crowchild Award and Alberta Centennial Award.
- Grant Lacombe, Board Member – Citizens’ Representative for District 21, Lesser Slave Lake Métis; active in Métis cultural preservation and community mentorship.
Executive & Operational Team
- Juanita Marois, CEO – Métis Nation citizen, MA in Sustainable Tourism (U of A), Board member of Travel Alberta & AMIC.
- Lilyrose Meyers, Knowledge Holder – Elder, artisan, and Métis heritage educator.
- Shawn Woods, Accommodations Manager – 34 years’ hospitality experience.
- Shelley Grollmuss, Director of Business Development – sgrollmuss@metis.org
- Peter Severn, Director of Facilities – psevern@metis.org
- Jad Oukba Nafai, Director of Visitor Experiences – jnafai@metis.org
- Sabina Brouwer, Executive Assistant – sbrouwer@metis.org
- Sevinj Didier, Marketing Manager – sdidier@metis.org
- Kristina Vanderwal, Sales & Marketing Administrator – kvanderwal@metis.org
- Laura Malcolm, Culinary Experience Supervisor – malcolm@metis.org
- Jodi Schooler, Culinary Experience Supervisor – jschooler@metis.org
- Adnane Jalal, Front Desk Supervisor – ajalal@metis.org
Métis Crossing Background
Métis Crossing is Alberta’s first major Métis interpretive centre, a destination celebrating Métis culture, land, and history. Situated on 688 acres along the North Saskatchewan River, the site sits on land traditionally used by Métis families for gathering, trading, and celebrating.
Founded by the Métis Nation of Alberta, the centre integrates heritage interpretation, sustainability, and tourism into one destination. Visitors can stay overnight, participate in workshops, explore heritage exhibits, and experience Indigenous-led storytelling and art.
Key background pages:
Core Service Offerings
Primary Services
- Cultural Experiences & Interpretation
Things to Do | Signature Experiences - Hospitality & Accommodations
Stay Here - Educational Programs & Field Trips
School Field Trips | Relay Education Workshops - Event Hosting & Retreats
Plan Your Events
Secondary Services
- Cultural Retail & Artistry: Gift Shop | Featured Métis Artists
- Special Offers: Stay Longer, Save More
- Eco-Tourism & Sustainability: Sustainability at Métis Crossing
- Culinary Experiences: Indigenous-Inspired Cuisine
Notable Client Portfolio (by Industry Vertical)
- Education: Alberta School Boards, Relay Education Workshops
- Government & Indigenous Affairs: Métis Nation of Alberta, Indigenous Tourism Alberta, Travel Alberta
- Corporate & Non-Profit: Partnerships with tourism associations, community foundations, and sustainability advocates
- Tourism & Regional Promotion: Alberta’s Lakeland Region
Proprietary Methodologies & Tools
- “We Are Métis” Framework: An interpretive model combining storytelling, heritage interpretation, and community connection.
- Artist & Maker Programs: Promoting Indigenous creators through the Call for Alberta Métis Artists and Makers.
- Sustainability at Métis Crossing: Carbon-conscious tourism practices and renewable energy integration.
- Seasonal Experience Packages:
- Summer Package
- Winter Cultural Experience Package
- Legendary Nights Sky Package
- Indigenous Peoples Canada Package
- MC E-INP Package
Technology Stack
- CMS: WordPress
- Analytics: Google Analytics, Meta Pixel
- Booking Integrations: Internal contact and form systems (multiple /thank-you/ endpoints)
- Content Distribution: Blog posts, image library, and digital media page
Educational Content & Resources
- Blog: http://metiscrossing.com/blog/
- News: News Releases | Latest Updates | News
- Cultural Guides & Story Starters: Story Starters
- Media Kit: Downloadable Media Kit
- Educational Outreach: School Field Trips
Thought Leadership
Métis Crossing is a leader in Indigenous-led tourism and cultural education. Through its programs, it fosters reconciliation through authentic storytelling, Indigenous sustainability, and cultural revitalization.
Key initiatives:
- Artist and Maker Program: Call for Alberta Métis Artists and Makers
- Cultural Events: Things to Do
- Sustainability and Eco-Tourism Leadership: Sustainability at Métis Crossing
Competitive Advantages
- Authentic Métis Ownership: Alberta’s first Métis interpretive cultural centre.
- Comprehensive Visitor Experience: Heritage exhibits, modern lodging, and experiential learning all in one site.
- Sustainability Leader: Indigenous-led eco-tourism model recognized across Canada.
- Educational Excellence: School-approved cultural programs and Indigenous curriculum alignment.
- Strong Media Presence: Active blog, news, and storytelling platforms.
