Our Story

Welcome to our vibrant community dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Métis traditions! What began as a quest to find enriching cultural experiences for our families blossomed into a dynamic collective of Métis culture enthusiasts in Calgary.

In Spring 2023, we welcomed our first learners. Today we embrace all people, indigenous and non-indigenous, inviting you to embark on unique and immersive adventures in Métis culture. We remain steadfast in our commitment to authenticity, fostering meaningful connections and revitalizing community bonds.

We strive to honour our legacy by offering engaging experiences that delve deep into Métis heritage, guided by the values of respect and inclusivity. Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery and cultural appreciation together.

The Experience Métis Culture Keepers

Kalyn Kodiak
Amy Barton
Hailey Lambert
Rebecca Lavallee
Maya Barton
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I am a proud Métis and two-spirit individual, a Métis Herbalist & Cultural Guide, carrying forward the legacy of healers, teachers, and artists from my lineage. Serving as the founding member and current president of the Alberta Herbalists Association, my journey with plant medicines began at the Wild Rose College of Natural Healing in 2006, where I later attained the title of Clinical Herbalist in 2012. With a commitment to both Michif lifeways and modern western medical research on phytochemicals, I serve as a vital resource on traditional medicines within the Métis communities of southern Alberta. Additionally, I practice the art of aen aapikayahk sayncheur flayshii (Métis sash weaving). Teaching is my passion, and I regularly conduct workshops on health, herbs, Métis traditions, plant identification, and cultural art. I feel privileged to have visited numerous schools, youth, and community groups as a culture teacher and herbalist. Guiding both locals and tourists alike, I offer insights into the rich heritage of the Métis people of southern Alberta.
Kalyn Kodiak
Taanishi, Amy Barton nisihkâson.I am a Member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. I’m a Mother of 3, an Advanced Care Paramedic, a Rupertsland Institute Professional Learning Facilitator, and a Bow Valley College Introduction to Indigenous Studies facilitator. I’m committed to life-long learning and sharing my Métis history and culture. Permaculture design, Métis lifeways and the teachings of the medicine wheel are important value systems in my family’s lives. Growing food is my passion! I want to build healthy resiliency and sustainability for my family, community, and myself.
Amy Barton
Tansaii! I was born and raised, and still reside here in Calgary, MNA Region 3. I am honoured and proud to come from a rich Métis heritage. I feel responsible for and passionate about spreading awareness to others about the beauty of our Métis Culture and preserving our traditions. I am so grateful to be a part of this team. Working with the youth is so fulfilling because it’s important for our children to know where they come from. I would also like to thank the mentors, and elders in my life who have given me the knowledge and stories to continue to pass on to generations.
Hailey Lambert
My name is Rebecca Lavallee. I am a proud Métis women. I was born and raised in Lac La Biche Alberta, Region 1, and I now live in Calgary Alberta, Region 3. I have always been connected to my Métis culture and understand the importance of being a part of our community. I have worked as an advocate and representative for Métis youth to ensure their voices are heard, and now as a cultural teacher. I love to listen and share all the things I continue to learn about what it is to be Métis.
Rebecca Lavallee

Taanishi! My name is Maya, I am a proud Red River Métis woman who has recently moved back home. I feel my best when spending time in nature, learning new things, and connecting with others. I have worked as a professional nanny for several years, as I find great joy and fulfilment in being a positive leader for young ones and most importantly, having fun! In my spare time, I love diving into a new book, finding different recipes to try, and discovering new ways to channel my creativity through art and writing.

Maya Barton

More About Us

Everyone is welcome to visit and share the enthusiasm we hold for our beautiful teachings. 

We host events for groups of all sorts, who seek greater awareness of Métis culture and identity, and the history that brought us here to the landscapes of Treaty 7 Territory. Our helpers and volunteers are apprentices in cultural learning. Our culture keepers take the responsibility to pass knowledge on seriously, and mentorship is a vital part of our work.

We are a small company of knowledge keepers and instructors, who are members of Métis Nation of Alberta. We do our best to work with other Indigenous communities whenever possible, including instructors, contractors, and those who provide our supplies and services.
Although we do organize events for our own community, many of our event bookings are available for anyone to attend. You can attend any Experience Métis workshop, program, or teaching that is listed on the events page, or book a private experience for you and your community of friends or family. We welcome folks from all backgrounds, cultures, and nations to join us. It is our wish to create understanding of Indigenous cultures and dispel stereotypes. Experience Métis is a Safe Space – all respectful visitors are welcome to attend our events.

We’re proud of our business model! It took a lot of thought and consultation with elders and leaders in our communities. To develop a framework for serving our community, while running a business that feeds our families, we have blended the traditional ‘business’ models of fur traders with modern community-driven practices that enhance opportunities for growth within the Métis community. Here are some of the highlights that are important to keeping Experience Métis Inc. authentic and community-driven: 

  • Training Culture Teachers of Tomorrow: employees, youth, and volunteers gain cultural knowledge through apprentice-style learning.
  • Engaging with Elders, Leaders, and Community Members: we consult with community stakeholders on a regular basis to make sure our work is aligned with traditional values and community expectations.
  • Representation for Métis in Southern Alberta: We reach out to community organizations and leadership to create opportunities for Métis in the lower half of the province to engage with their culture.
  • Infusing Indigenous Values: We strive to integrate the Wahkoomiwayhk/Wahkohtowin (kinship), respect for creation, family togetherness, community responsibility, healthy living, and sponsorship in everything we do.

We’re planning to write a longer article soon that will describe our business and community development models thoroughly. Sign up for our newsletter to read it as soon as it is published!