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Willow Lake Métis Nation gathers in celebration of newly acquired land

Image show dignitaries speaking at celebration event in Willow Lake Métis Nation
Feather Bourque Jenner speaking at Celebration event at Willow Lake Métis Nation with Justin Bourque (Left) Jessica VanEe (Center) Joyce Quintal (Left of Joyce) Stella Lavalee (Far left). Photo by Nicholas Vardy.
Daniel Barker-Tremblay - CFWE - Edmonton • AL | 06-06-2022
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Sohkastwâwin, “The act of being resilient” in Cree, is the name of the land in the Willow Lake Métis Nation newly acquired on June 3.

Justin Bourque, Vice President and CEO of Willow Lake Métis Nation, shares more about the 205 acres of land and the importance it has to the community.

A man stands at a podium at Willow Lake Métis Nation on a sunny day with trees behind him.

President and CEO Justin Bourque speaking at the celebration event in Willow Lake Métis Nation. Photo by Nicholas Vardy.

Bourque says that the process for the land acquisitions was a three-to-four-year project, which led to the historic event this week. The land was acquired in a private acquisition with the partnership with Suncor. Willow Creek Métis Nation did not disclose the purchase cost of the land.

According to Bourque, resiliency was a key factor in claiming the land, adding that one of those key elements of showing resilience is the Echo Bison Ranch, which will create jobs and also cultural connection within the community.

Bourque says the importance for the land acquisition was for the youth and the next generation, as it will give Indigenous youth and people opportunities outside of the oil and gas industries to succeed and thrive.

Do you have a story idea? Email me at daniel@windspeakermedia.com

 

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