Willow Lake Métis Nation was proud to stand in solidarity at this year’s Red Dress Day march in Fort McMurray, honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. Our Nation's own Stella Lavallee was featured in a Fort McMurray Today article, sharing her heartfelt perspective on the importance of this day. “This crisis is not just a tragedy, it’s a reflection of deeper systems that have long failed Indigenous communities.”

On November 12, 2024, the Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN) hosted an impactful Indigenous Environmental, Social, and Governance (IESG) Workshop at the Anzac Recreation Center. This gathering marked a key milestone in uniting traditional Métis values with modern ESG practices, bringing together the Nation’s Elders Circle, its staff, and the Sustainability Steering Committee to shape a vision for the Nation's future. A Platform for Progress The workshop focused on evaluating WLMN's current efforts while identifying opportunities to enhance IESG initiatives. Discussions also touched on defining sustainability and exploring environmental, social, governance and Indigenous reconciliation priorities. Traditional Environmental Knowledge Western views often exclude the spiritual, relational, and holistic perspectives central to many Willow Lake Métis Nation’s worldviews, which regard all elements of the environment, including land, air, water, and animals, as interconnected, living, and embodied with spirit. The principle of Wahkohtowin (kinship and interconnectedness) reflects WLMN’s deep respect for the land, water, air, and all living beings. There is no prioritization of environmental elements, all are viewed as equally important. Social Highlights WLMN’s Citizen programs play a vital role in the social dimension of IESG, fostering community capacity, cultural continuity, and youth empowerment. Willow Lake Métis Nation’s social supports tie back to IESG through empowerment & self-sufficiency, community well-being & growth, cultural identity & inclusion, stronger social network, and breaking cycles. Governance Insights The workshop highlighted the critical role of ethics, transparency, and board diversity in governance. Participants explored ways to strengthen WLMN's leadership through accountable practices and robust oversight mechanisms that reflect both traditional values and contemporary expectations. These insights lay the groundwork for a more dynamic and inclusive governance framework. Driving Indigenous Reconciliation A central theme of the discussions was the integration of Indigenous knowledge and rights into ESG practices. Priorities included preserving WLMN’s cultural identity, protecting land use, and promoting equitable opportunities within projects. By weaving these principles into its ESG pathway, WLMN is setting a benchmark for reconciliation that bridges its heritage with sustainable development. Thoughts on Sustainability At the heart of our mission lies a deep respect for the land and a longstanding connection to WLMN, grounded in history, culture, and traditional knowledge. We are committed to a balanced approach to development, ownership, and environmental stewardship that ensures the health of our natural resources—clean water, thriving wildlife, and fertile land that supports hunting, harvesting, and sustainable food systems. Our vision is to build a resilient, independent Nation through responsible reclamation and measured, thoughtful decision-making. By investing in future generations, we aim to foster long-term growth while preserving our language, culture, and values. We are committed to growing more food, supporting healthier living through clean air and water, and protecting the plants and animals that share our ecosystem. Grounded in fairness, knowledge, and accountability, our efforts prioritize the sustainability of resources for those who come after us. As we move forward, our focus on financial freedom, local self-sufficiency, and reduced reliance on external inputs will support a thriving, equitable, and culturally rooted community. Together, we strive toward a shared future that upholds the integrity of the land, sustains our prosperity, and honors the traditions that define us. Next Steps With these priorities in mind, WLMN is preparing for the next phase of its journey, which includes: Finalizing the sustainability framework, along with defined IESG priorities. Use the in-depth current-state analysis to guide WLMN’s IESG strategy. Establishing long-term sustainability goals and measurable benchmarks. A Vision for the Future This workshop is more than a step forward; it’s a reflection of WLMN’s commitment to its land, culture, and people. By embracing Métis knowledge and heritage while advancing innovative governance practices, WLMN is laying the foundation for a resilient and prosperous future. As these initiatives unfold, they serve as a testament to WLMN’s leadership in harmonizing tradition with modernity. This journey is one of collective purpose, aimed at building not only sustainability but a legacy of equity, empowerment, and community for generations to come.

The Indigenous, Environmental, Social, Governance (IESG) framework is a values-driven approach that centers Indigenous perspectives and priorities in shaping sustainable and equitable development. It goes beyond conventional ESG models by embedding Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural values, and community leadership at every level. Within this framework, educational programs play a vital role in the social dimension of IESG, fostering community capacity, cultural continuity, and youth empowerment. Willow Lake Métis Nation’s social supports tie back to IESG through: Empowerment & Self-Sufficiency: By providing job opportunities and skill development, individuals gain financial independence, reducing reliance on social assistance and enhancing their overall stability. Community Well-Being & Growth: When more Citizens are employed and trained, communities experience economic growth, leading to better housing, healthcare, and education opportunities. Cultural Identity & Inclusion: Employment and training programs can be designed to align with Métis and Indigenous values, ensuring that cultural identity is preserved and celebrated in the workforce. Stronger Social Networks: Workplace connections, mentorships, and training programs help build supportive social networks, reducing isolation and increasing a sense of belonging. Breaking Cycles of Unemployment: Training initiatives create pathways for long-term career success, helping future generations access better opportunities and reducing systemic unemployment. Willow Lake Métis Nation’s Employment Programs At Willow Lake Métis Nation, we are committed to supporting our Citizens in achieving their education, training, and career goals. Our employment and training programs provide financial assistance, skill development, and access to job opportunities to help individuals succeed in their chosen fields, including: Employment Programs Post-Secondary Program: This program supports Citizens pursuing post-secondary education by providing funding for tuition, books, and essential academic resources. Trades and Field Training: This program equips Citizens with the necessary skills and certifications for employment in trades and construction. It covers the cost of safety and on-site construction tickets and provides personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure workplace readiness. Employment and Career Development Career Fairs & Job Opportunities: Willow Lake Métis Nation hosts two annual career fairs, connecting Citizens with potential employers and training opportunities. Workshops & One-on-One Support: We offer specialized workshops and individual sessions to help participants enhance their employability, develop career plans, and gain valuable industry insights. By investing in education, training, and career development, we empower our Citizens to build sustainable futures while strengthening the economic foundation of our Nation. Creating Networks: The Power of WLMN's Support in Job Training The education, training, and employment programs offered by Willow Lake Métis Nation have a significant and lasting impact on individuals, families, and the broader community. These programs help bridge employment gaps, enhance career prospects, and strengthen the Nation’s economic future. Increased Employment Opportunities: By funding post-secondary education, trades training, and safety certifications, Citizens gain the qualifications and skills needed to secure stable, well-paying jobs. Career fairs and employer connections provide direct pathways to employment. Economic Growth & Self-Sufficiency: Supporting Citizens in finding employment reduces reliance on government assistance and increases financial independence. A well-trained workforce attracts industry partnerships and investment, creating more job opportunities within the community. Empowerment & Confidence: Access to education and training boosts self-esteem and motivation, helping individuals take charge of their career paths. One-on-one career support and workshops provide personalized guidance, ensuring participants feel supported in their journey. Stronger Community & Cultural Preservation: Economic stability allows Citizens to stay within their communities rather than seeking work elsewhere, preserving Métis culture and traditions. Employment success contributes to intergenerational benefits, inspiring younger generations to pursue education and meaningful careers. Workplace Safety & Industry Readiness: Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training ensures that Citizens enter the workforce prepared and protected, reducing workplace risks. Overall, these programs strengthen individuals, families, and the Nation as a whole, fostering a prosperous and self-reliant Métis community for generations to come. The Willow Lake Métis Nation's employment and training programs aim to enhance the economic well-being of its Citizens. While specific outcome statistics for these programs are not publicly available, broader data on similar initiatives provide insight into their potential impact: Higher Employment Rates with Education: In 2021, Indigenous individuals aged 25 to 54 with a bachelor's degree or higher had an employment rate of 86%, compared to 60% for those with only a high school diploma. Increased Earnings for Tradespeople: Male Indigenous journeypersons reported a median employment income of $71,100, approximately $7,000 higher than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Reduced Employment Gaps through Training: Programs like the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) initiative aim to improve employment and earnings outcomes for Métis individuals, thereby reducing disparities between Métis and non-Indigenous populations. These figures suggest that comprehensive employment and training programs, similar to those implemented by the Willow Lake Métis Nation, can lead to higher employment rates and increased earnings among participants. Such programs contribute to individual prosperity and the overall economic development of Indigenous communities. Ongoing Support For Citizens Standalone programs are a valuable starting point, but they cannot be the sole solution to addressing the complex and evolving needs of Citizens. To truly support individuals and foster long-term success, these initiatives must be part of an ongoing, integrated effort. Here’s why: Sustained Support and Long-Term Impact One-time programs may provide short-term benefits, but ongoing support is necessary to ensure that Citizens can sustain and build upon their progress. This includes continued access to training, career development, mentorship, and educational resources. Without this support, Citizens may face barriers that prevent them from fully utilizing the skills and opportunities they’ve gained. Adapting to Changing Needs Communities evolve, and so do the needs of Citizens. As industries change, new technologies emerge, and economic conditions shift, it’s crucial to offer ongoing training and development opportunities to keep up with these changes. A continuous learning environment ensures that Citizens remain competitive and adaptable in the workforce. Building a Holistic Support System Employment and training programs need to be integrated with other social services - such as childcare, housing support, mental health resources, and financial literacy training - to address the full range of factors that impact an individual’s success. Standalone programs may not consider these broader challenges, but an ongoing effort ensures Citizens have access to the comprehensive support they need to thrive. Fostering a Culture of Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency By offering consistent engagement through workshops, career coaching, networking opportunities, and mentorship, Citizens feel valued and empowered to take charge of their careers. The goal is to create a culture of lifelong learning and self-sufficiency, where Citizens are continually encouraged to grow and reach new milestones. Community Building and Networking Standalone programs often fail to foster a sense of community and connection among participants. However, ongoing efforts that include networking events, career fairs, and peer support groups can help Citizens form lasting relationships that contribute to their success. These connections often lead to collaborative job opportunities, mentorship, and community-wide growth. Tracking Progress and Measuring Success Ongoing programs allow organizations to track progress over time, making it possible to measure success, identify areas of improvement, and adjust strategies. This continual feedback loop is essential for ensuring that Citizens receive the support they need at every stage of their journey. The Indigenous, Environmental, Social, and Governance (IESG) framework emphasizes the importance of long-term, sustainable practices that benefit Indigenous communities. When we consider employment and training programs within the context of IESG, it’s clear that ongoing support is critical for ensuring lasting success, economic empowerment, and community resilience. Here’s how this relates to the importance and impact of IESG: Social Impact through Long-Term Support The social aspect of IESG focuses on creating positive, lasting impacts on Indigenous communities. Standalone programs can offer short-term assistance, but the ongoing support necessary to foster community development, improve educational outcomes, and reduce employment gaps requires continuous effort. The success of employment and training programs relies on more than just providing initial training; it requires ongoing career support, mentorship, networking, and opportunities for advancement to truly uplift individuals in a meaningful way. By adopting a long-term, integrated approach that includes consistent training and support, the IESG framework encourages holistic growth within Indigenous communities. This creates an environment where Citizens can not only secure stable employment but also continue to thrive and contribute to their community’s growth. Governance and Sustainability IESG places strong emphasis on governance and sustainability. For employment and training programs to be effective in the long term, they must be part of a well-governed, sustainable strategy. Standalone programs may fall short without an overarching governance structure to provide continuous funding, measure outcomes, and track progress. IESG supports transparent governance to ensure that these programs are effective, and that resources are continually directed toward meeting the evolving needs of Citizens. Through this lens, ongoing efforts to support Citizens ensure that the programs remain sustainable, adaptable, and aligned with the goals of the community over time. It encourages Indigenous leadership to take ownership of these programs and direct them in ways that fit the unique needs of the community. Environmental and Social Sustainability The environmental aspect of IESG also ties into the sustainability of training and employment opportunities. For programs to be successful in the long run, they must not only focus on individual development but also take into account the community’s broader environmental context. Indigenous communities are deeply connected to their land, and training programs should incorporate environmental awareness, sustainable job practices, and eco-friendly industries. Incorporating these elements into ongoing training helps ensure that new industries and job opportunities align with Indigenous values and respect for the land, creating sustainable careers that support the community without compromising the environment. Community Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency IESG aims to empower communities by focusing on social equality, fostering self-sufficiency, and promoting Indigenous leadership. Employment and training programs within the IESG framework should be designed to not only provide skills but also build confidence, self-esteem, and leadership potential. Through ongoing engagement and development, these programs provide the tools for individuals to achieve long-term success while contributing to the broader social and economic development of their communities. This empowerment helps break cycles of dependency, which aligns directly with the social goals of the IESG framework. In the context of IESG, standalone programs serve as a crucial starting point, but sustained, ongoing support is essential for achieving true success. IESG emphasizes the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and governance factors, and an ongoing approach to employment and training ensures that communities do not only benefit in the short term but continue to thrive in a sustainable, empowering, and culturally aligned manner for generations to come.

For the Citizens of Willow Lake Métis Nation (WLMN), culture is not just history—it’s a living, breathing way of life. Rooted in the land, water, and traditions passed down through generations, WLMN’s cultural retention efforts are about preserving knowledge, strengthening identity, and ensuring that Métis ways continue to thrive for generations to come. Living in Balance with the Land Métis identity is deeply connected to the land. As Kyle Whitford, WLMN’s Indigenous Guardian, describes, “My role is to be the voice for the land, the water, and the animals around us.” The traditional practices of hunting, fishing, and trapping are more than survival skills—they are acts of stewardship. These practices teach respect for nature and reinforce the belief that all elements of the ecosystem are interconnected. Cultural retention at WLMN means ensuring that future generations understand this relationship. Through the Nation’s on the land initiatives like fish camps, harvest camps, and berry-picking gatherings, knowledge keepers share essential teachings about sustainable harvesting, land stewardship, and traditional food systems. These opportunities are not just about learning Métis traditions; they are about living them. Sharing Knowledge Across Generations Knowledge is meant to be shared, not stored away. For many Métis families, cultural teachings are passed down informally—through time spent on the land, storytelling, and community gatherings. Kyle recalls growing up with his grandfather, learning to trap, hunt, and live off the land. “I couldn’t tell you the first time I went hunting because I was doing it before I could even remember,” he shares. Today, WLMN ensures that these teachings remain accessible by opening their cultural camps to anyone willing to learn. Métis and non-Métis people alike are invited to experience firsthand the harvesting traditions that sustain both people and the land. “It’s not just about retaining our culture,” Kyle explains. “It’s about showing others what Métis ways truly are.” Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Western Science In a world where industrial development and environmental concerns often collide, WLMN is working to bring balance. The Nation’s sustainability department is integrating Métis knowledge with Western science to monitor and protect the land. Programs like the Oil Sands Monitoring program allow the community to scientifically validate what Elders and land users have always known—that environmental shifts impact everything. Kyle highlights the importance of this approach: “For years, Elders have said the moose are getting more ticks, that the water is changing, that the land is shifting. Now, we can prove it in ways that industry and government understand.” This ability to translate traditional knowledge into data strengthens WLMN’s advocacy efforts and ensures that Indigenous voices are heard in environmental decision-making. Strengthening Métis Identity Through Community Métis culture is not just about land use—it’s also about the values that hold the community together. Generosity, sharing, and hospitality are at the heart of WLMN’s cultural retention efforts. As Kyle recalls, “Growing up, my grandmother always had food ready for visitors. If we got a moose, we shared it with the Elders and families in need.” This spirit of community continues today. Whether through organized cultural programs or informal knowledge-sharing, WLMN ensures that Métis traditions of care, respect, and togetherness remain strong. Looking to the Future Cultural retention is about securing a future where Métis ways of life continue to thrive. Willow Lake Métis Nation’s efforts to blend traditional knowledge with modern tools, pass down teachings, and advocate for environmental stewardship all contribute to a legacy that will last for generations. As Kyle puts it, “I want my work to pay off 50, 60 years from now. I want my nieces and nephews to be able to look back and say, ‘Kyle and the sustainability team made sure our ways were still here.’” Through cultural retention, WLMN is ensuring that Métis identity remains not just a memory, but a way of life.