Métis Crossing Unveils Expanded Métis Veterans’ Monument At National Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony

SMOKY LAKE, ALBERTA, CANADA, November 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Métis Crossing unveiled its expanded Métis Veterans’ Monument on Sunday, November 8, National Indigenous Veterans Day, at a ceremony led by veterans, Elders and community leaders. The monument now carries the names of 7,500 Métis veterans, up from 3,200, after research added more than 4,000 people who served in Canada’s armed forces.

The upgrade was funded by the Métis Veterans Legacy Program, administered by the Métis National Council. Beatrice Demetrius and her team researched each veteran named on the monument. Sustainable Buildings Consortium, which designed the original monument, designed the expansion.

“Métis men and women served in every conflict this country has fought, and many came home to a country that gave them very little,” said Juanita Marois, CEO of Métis Crossing. “This monument now carries 7,500 names. Every name is a person and a family, and more names means more families who can come to Métis Crossing and find someone of theirs.”

Marois emceed the ceremony, which began with a Colour Guard march from the Cultural Gathering Centre to the monument, led by a fiddler. Vigil sentries from the St. Paul Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps stood watch at the monument’s four directions. The Last Post sounded at 11 a.m., followed by two minutes of silence and The Rouse. Wesley Kopps, who served 25 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, read the Act of Remembrance, and Ollie Malcolm, Chair of the Smoky Lake Youth Council, read the Commitment to Remember. Knowledge Holder Lilyrose Meyers offered a Four Directions Prayer before guests laid wreaths and poppies.

After the outdoor ceremony, guests moved inside for lunch and greetings from leaders of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, the Métis National Council and all three levels of government. Nicole Carragher, a Canadian Forces veteran who served with 745 Communication Squadron, shared her story as a Métis veteran.

The monument takes the form of a traditional Métis sash. Its red colour represents the blood Métis people have shed in defending their rights, and the sash forms a loop inscribed with veterans’ names, with benches built into the loop for visitors. Glass panels along the walkway tell the story of the battles and wars Métis people took part in, from the Battle of Seven Oaks to peacekeeping missions.

The monument is open to all visitors at Métis Crossing. Families who wish to have a veteran’s name added can contact the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. More information is available at https://metiscrossing.com/things-to-do/daily-activities/veterans-monument/.

About Métis Crossing
Métis Crossing is Alberta’s first major Métis cultural destination. Created as a place for Métis people to share Métis stories year-round, it welcomes everyone to enjoy cultural experiences on the land where Métis ancestors lived. Visit metiscrossing.com.

Ryan O'Donnell
CIPR Communications
+1 403-978-6000