The Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA) is taking another step towards self-governing.

In a province-wide vote held from September 13-19, 2023, members of the Metis Nation within Alberta elected a new President and Citizens council and formally transitioned to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

Andrea Sandmaier is now President-elect, replacing outgoing President Audrey Poitras.

A woman’s representative, youth representative, and 22 district representatives were also chosen.

This general election fulfills the conditions set out in the Otipemisiwak constitution allowing the MNA to take its next step towards Métis self-government.

In 2019, the MNA signed a self-government agreement with Canada. The agreement recognized that the MNA represents the Métis Nation within Alberta, and holds the Indigenous right to self-government protected by Canada’s Constitution.

The agreement was updated in February 2023 and committed Canada to the introduction federal legislation to support the MNA’s self-government recognition.

On June 21, 2023 the federal government introduced Bill C-53, which recognizes certain Métis governments and gives effect to treaties with those governments. The newly formed Otipemisiwak Métis is hoping for quick passage of this legislation.