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We build strong community partnerships and create meaningful work opportunities, making us a leader in social sustainability. Collaborating with local organizations ensures our practices benefit both the environment and the community.

Our approach respects the land, water, and sky, honoring our connections to nature. This commitment is evident in our site design, culinary experiences, and cultural preservation efforts, all aimed at sustaining our heritage for future generations.

Our buildings, designed by Métis architects, use renewable materials, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly construction methods. They minimize environmental impact while enhancing the natural beauty of our surroundings, reflecting our dedication to a sustainable future.

Leading the Way in Sustainability

Métis Crossing proudly received the ‘Leading the Way in Sustainability’ Award at the 2023 International Indigenous Tourism Awards, showcasing our commitment to sustainable practices and leadership in integrating these values into our operations.

Central to this recognition is our Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Tour. This project reintroduces heritage Bison species to their traditional lands, symbolizing the deep connection between Indigenous Peoples and the land. This initiative goes beyond conservation, representing cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our awards for sustainable building design. The Cultural Gathering Centre received the 2021 Prairie Wood Design Award, and The Lodge was honoured with a 2023 Prairie Wood Design Award. These accolades highlight our efforts to create environmentally responsible and culturally significant structures.

Métis Crossing continues to set a standard in sustainability in Smoky Lake County and surrounding areas, blending economic development, environmental preservation, and cultural heritage. We are grateful for this recognition and remain dedicated to advancing sustainability in all our endeavours.

Environmental and Cultural Sustainability Initiatives

Métis Crossing seamlessly blends environmental and cultural sustainability, ensuring both the protection of our natural environment and the preservation of our rich heritage.

Solar Generation Project

In 2022, the Métis Nation of Alberta launched a 4.86-megawatt solar project at Métis Crossing. This initiative not only offsets our electricity consumption but also showcases our commitment to renewable energy and reducing our carbon footprint.

Sustainable Building Designs

Our buildings reflect a generational approach, honouring ancestral wisdom while planning for the future. Designed with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, our facilities harmonize with the landscape, enhancing both sustainability and guest experience. This approach was featured in Green Building & Design magazine.

Visions, Hopes, and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Tour

This initiative focuses on regenerating grasslands and reintroducing heritage Bison. The return of these majestic creatures symbolizes the deep connection between Indigenous Peoples and the land, promoting reconciliation and biodiversity.

Reintroduction of Heritage Bison Species

The heritage Bison’s return to Métis Crossing is a powerful testament to our commitment to sustainability. These animals, integral to the ecosystem and Indigenous culture, help restore natural heritage and offer educational insights for visitors.

Connection Between Environmental Practices and Cultural Heritage Preservation

At Métis Crossing, environmental sustainability and cultural heritage preservation are intertwined. Our sustainable practices, rooted in Métis traditions, honour the past and protect the future. This holistic approach enriches the cultural experience for our visitors and underscores our responsibility to the environment.

Farm-to-Table Dining Experience

The process of food harvesting and preparation at Métis Crossing is steeped in cultural significance. Our culinary traditions are a vital part of our heritage, passed down through generations. By integrating traditional Métis recipes and cooking methods with sustainably sourced ingredients, we celebrate our rich cultural history and share it with our guests. This deep connection to our food and its origins is a unique aspect of the Métis Crossing dining experience, providing a meaningful and educational encounter for visitors.

The produce from our indoor garden is a vital part of our farm-to-table dining experience, providing fresh, organic ingredients for our culinary offerings. By growing our own food, we reduce the need for transportation, cutting down on carbon emissions and supporting our goal of a sustainable food system. This practice not only enhances the freshness and flavour of our dishes but also minimizes our environmental footprint.

By integrating sustainability into every aspect of our dining experience, Métis Crossing not only nourishes the body but also the mind and spirit, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for our cultural and environmental heritage.

Economic and Social Sustainability

Economic Sustainability: Supporting Local Economies and Creating Jobs

At Métis Crossing, economic sustainability is a core mission. By prioritizing local procurement, we support nearby businesses and contribute directly to the local economy, fostering resilience and growth within our community. Employment at Métis Crossing goes beyond just a job—it’s an opportunity to engage with and celebrate our cultural heritage. From hospitality and culinary arts to cultural education and site maintenance, we offer diverse employment opportunities that sustain our community economically.

Social Sustainability: Building Community and Supporting Local Food Systems

Social sustainability is vital to our vision at Métis Crossing. Our initiatives strengthen community connections, ensuring our cultural and social fabric remains vibrant. Our farm-to-table dining experience exemplifies this, with food sourced from our own food forest and indoor garden, and through local procurement agreements. This not only provides fresh, delicious meals but also supports local farmers and food producers, reinforcing the region’s economic health and community spirit.

Long-term Viability as a Self-Sustaining Hub

Combining economic and social sustainability efforts ensures Métis Crossing’s long-term viability as a self-sustaining cultural and tourism hub. Our commitment to local procurement, meaningful employment, and community-centric initiatives positions us as a model of sustainable development. We invite visitors to join us, experiencing how our sustainable practices enrich our community and preserve our heritage for future generations.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Métis Crossing, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our regenerative site design, award-winning sustainable buildings, solar generation project, and farm-to-table dining experience all reflect our dedication to preserving our cultural heritage and protecting the environment.

Sustainability is our guiding principle, shaping our community partnerships, economic strategies, and environmental efforts. By embracing sustainable practices, we ensure a brighter future for our community and the land we cherish.

We invite you to visit Métis Crossing to experience our commitment to sustainability. Experience sustainability at Métis Crossing. Contact us today to see how tradition and innovation unite, and join us in fostering a sustainable, culturally rich future.

Permaculture Installations

Métis Crossing is committed to regenerative tourism and has developed several permaculture installations that support a healthy ecosystem. For example, rainwater runoff is collected in a dragonfly pond featuring plants traditionally used by Métis people. Water from this pond is slowly diverted to a swale system that nourishes gardens with fruit bushes and trees.

Regenerative Grasslands

In 2024, an additional 1140 acres of land were purchased surrounding Métis Crossing, and our Ranch was born. Our vision is to develop a regenerative bison ranch that will balance cultural rejuvenation and a prosperous business model, with a thriving relationship between bison, lands, and people. We will support the bison in their work to restore the northern Prairies Grasslands.