Just over 100 kilometres northeast of Edmonton in Smoky Lake, Métis Crossing is a living, breathing celebration of Métis culture.
And every Easter, an annual artisan market hosts vendors selling Métis beadwork on moccasins, ribbon skirts and leather goods. Now in its third year, the market brings together approximately 30 to 40 vendors, blending Métis artisanship with a diverse selection of non-Métis makers. The result is an eclectic mix of handcrafted, artisan goods: 3D-printed designs, sauces, arts and crafts, birdhouses, woodwork and pottery.
According to Melissa Shephard, gift shop coordinator and market organizer, the interpretive centre is a hub that promotes cultural dialogue and strengthens Métis identity. It serves not only as an educational space but as a platform for Métis craftspeople.“Part of that is our commitment to working with Métis artisans and makers, and for them to sell their wares,” says Shephard.
The on-site restaurant, which runs year-round, offers a special Easter menu that features bison burgers and bannock, available as both sit-down meals and grab-and-go options. The year-round menu honours Métis heritage with dishes like bison stew and Saskatoon berry preserves, prepared using locally sourced ingredients.
Established in 2005 along the North Saskatchewan River, the interpretive centre recently underwent an impressive redesign by Reimagine Architects including a mix of repurposed 19th-century farm buildings and new structures, such as the Gathering Centre, which features a sloping roofline offering river views. Sustainable design elements like passive ventilation and solar orientation are integrated to reduce energy use.
The Gathering Centre’s flexible spaces, including a large assembly hall and expansive deck, serve as a vibrant hub for cultural events, educational programs, and lively community gatherings. Métis Crossing serves as a year-round cultural destination, offering immersive programs and lively guided tours that highlight Métis traditions, history and contemporary life.
“It’s a very secluded place, a very peaceful place with natural landscape,” says Leon Hunter, director of business development at Métis Crossing.
Shephard encourages Edmontonians to make a day trip of it — or two. Whether you’re cozying up in one of their 40 heritage-inspired rooms at The Lodge or sleeping under the stars in the Sky Watching Domes, there’s an option for a variety of adventurers. The domes, with their transparent ceilings and perfect stargazing views, offer a chance to hear Indigenous stories under a star-filled prairie sky. By day, visitors can learn traditional leathercrafting or take a guided walk to discover the role of native plants in Métis history.
Go to the Easter Artisan Market on Saturday, April 12.
