Culture isn’t just something we celebrate—it's who we are. At Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN), our roots run deep in the lands, stories, and traditions passed down through generations. As we grow, we remain grounded in the strength of our heritage. Preserving our culture, language, and way of life is not only about honouring the past; it's about building a future where every Citizen feels proud, seen, and connected.

The Heartbeat of Our Nation: Métis Culture Lives Here

Cultural retention at Willow Lake Métis Nation means protecting and practicing the traditions that define our identity as Métis people. It’s about more than remembering; it’s about living our values every day.

For our Nation, this includes honouring the land, practicing traditional skills, and sharing stories that connect us to our ancestors. Whether it’s gathering for a fiddle circle, harvesting in the fall, or sitting with community members for an afternoon of storytelling, culture is at the centre of who we are.

In Northern Alberta, the land tells our stories. Our connection to it is spiritual, historical, and practical. Culture flows through our beadwork, our music, and in the way we come together as a community. It’s this living, breathing culture that keeps our Nation strong.

Learning Across Generations: Elders, Youth, and Shared Teachings

We believe that true learning happens between generations. Elders carry deep knowledge. Lessons are not found in textbooks, but in lived experience. Youth bring curiosity, creativity, and energy. When they come together, something powerful happens.

From on-the-land camps to cultural workshops, our programs intentionally bring Elders and youth into the same spaces. These moments become opportunities to pass on skills such as trapping, cooking, foraging for medicine, and jigging. But they’re also moments of connection. When a story shared becomes a memory, a youth carries forward.

These shared teachings don’t just pass on knowledge; they build trust, relationships, and pride. They remind us that every generation has a role in keeping our culture alive.

Traditional Knowledge in a Modern World

Traditional knowledge grounds us. It reminds us that our ancestors were engineers, environmentalists, artists, and educators long before those titles existed.

At Willow Lake Métis Nation, we celebrate this knowledge by practicing it:

• Jigging keeps our bodies and spirits moving with joy.
• Beading tells stories in thread and colour.
• Harvesting teaches patience, respect, and gratitude.
• Cooking brings us together, nourishes us, and keeps tradition alive.

These aren’t outdated skills; they’re living tools of resilience. In a fast-changing world, our traditions offer comfort, confidence, and a sense of belonging. They also provide economic opportunities, as more Citizens explore Métis entrepreneurship through crafts, food, and cultural tourism.

When we centre traditional knowledge, we are not just honouring the past, we are carving out space in the present for Métis ways of life to thrive.

Cultural Events: More Than Just Celebrations

Events like Willow Lake Métis Fest, seasonal feasts, and community workshops are vital to our cultural landscape. These aren’t just social events but are cultural anchors that bring Citizens together.

Every gathering reinforces pride and belonging. Whether it’s hearing a fiddle song that reminds us of our grandparents or sharing bannock around the fire, these events renew our spirit.

Workshops on sash weaving, language, or hide tanning help build skills and confidence. Ceremonies and feast days create space for reflection, healing, and connection.



For youth, these events offer an entry point to culture. For Elders, they’re a chance to share. For families, they become treasured memories. In every case, they strengthen our Nation.

How Willow Lake Métis Nation Supports Cultural Retention

Cultural preservation is woven into the work we do every day. Under the leadership of Stella Lavallee, we have prioritized cultural retention as a foundational pillar of Nation building.

Programs and initiatives include:

• On-the-land learning led by knowledge holders
• Youth culture camps focused on identity and skill-building
• Elder-Citizen mentorships and oral history projects
• Funding support for Citizen-led cultural workshops
• Cultural supply kits distributed to families for at-home learning

These efforts are grounded in our Seven Pillars of Governance, which guide us in health, justice, education, and cultural retention. Culture isn’t an afterthought but rather embedded in how we lead, govern, and grow.

By investing in culture now, we’re securing a strong, united future.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy for Future Generations

As we look to the future, our vision is clear: a Nation where every Citizen feels proud of who they are, where tradition is part of daily life, and where Métis culture thrives in homes, schools, and workplaces.

To make that vision real, we need everyone: youth, Elders, families, partners—to play a part. Share a story. Attend an event. Learn a traditional skill. Teach someone how to jig. These actions, big and small, keep our culture alive.

We are building a legacy not just for today, but for tomorrow. For the next generation to stand tall in who they are, they must see us doing the same.

Get involved in Willow Lake Métis Nation’s cultural initiatives:  Visit our Cultural Programs Page

Let’s continue walking forward, rooted in tradition, guided by community, and united by the heartbeat of our Métis Nation.