The Métis Nation of Alberta Association (MNA) of Fort McMurray Local Council 1935 has purchased the land that it’s been leasing from the provincial government for the past 26 years.
Minister of Infrastructure Sandra Jansen was in town on May 25 to make the $809,670 deal official.
“I felt when they presented the compelling argument for why they wanted to have this space and ultimately a cultural centre and a place to celebrate Métis culture, it just made a lot of sense to me.”
She said she feels this is a great way to start over after the loss of the original structure in the wildfire.
The nearly 9 acres of land at 441 Sakitawaw Trail previously held the Ranger Station and building for the association.
A modular building for the association to continue to offer services to its members now occupies a portion of the land.
President of the McMurray Métis Local 1935 Gail Gallup said this is something they hadn’t been able to achieve over the course of seven different governments.
She said they plan to build a cultural centre which will feature an elder gathering area, community meeting room, outdoor healing centre, youth room and more.
“Our vision has always been to have a museum in that area. We would have a place where people can come, just like any museum, you’ll see our artifacts and you’ll see our history.”
Gallup praised Minister Jansen for her quick work on the deal.
Design plans for the cultural centre are underway.
