For more than forty years, Gerald has greeted the sunrise on Calling Lake, setting his net with patience and care. He fishes year-round and brings the catch home to Canyon Creek, where family and neighbours gather to cut, smoke, and share the fish. Gerald gives first to Elders and to anyone in need, delivering to those who are unwell because he was raised to believe we take care of one another. He never accepts money; giving is the teaching he carries.

Jeffery is a Knowledge Keeper, hunter, and master carpenter from Alberta. As a child, he and his sister, Jacqueline, were taken from their family and placed in a residence in the Northwest Territories. Life on the boys’ side was harsh, and older boys often targeted the younger ones. Even then, Jeffery looked for his sister in the yard, holding on to the hope that they might leave together.

Elder Art Cunningham is a proud Métis Elder who has spent his life helping people build understanding, respect, and meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. With more than 35 years of experience, he brings people into connection, where everyone is invited to listen, learn, and grow together.

Born in Alberta and moving with her family to the Northwest Territories, Jacqueline’s childhood was forever changed when she and her three siblings were taken from their home. She and her brother Jeffery were placed in the same residence but in separate buildings, Jacqueline in the girls' house and Jeffery in the boys' house, which also housed the youngest children and was run by nuns. They could see each other in the yard, but were never permitted to spend time together outside of it.

Margaret “Chilly” Davies is a proud Métis woman living a quiet, life on the land her family has called home for generations in Faust, Alberta. She lives simply without running water or electricity and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Beverly Lambert is a proud Métis woman from Gift Lake, Alberta, whose life has been profoundly shaped by the teachings of her grandparents, Raymond and Amy Laboucan. Raised between the Métis settlement and the town of McLennan, Beverly grew up surrounded by traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and a love for the land.

Marvin Lizotte grew up on a family farm in Buttertown, Alberta, along the banks of the Boyer River. From an early age he hunted and trapped with his dad Norman Lizotte and learned to read the land. After Rocky Lane School, he studied Outdoor Education at Augustana and the University of Alberta. The mountains called him into a life of guiding, first as a whitewater raft guide in the Rockies and, for many moons now, as a dog sled guide.

Priscilla Cardinal is a proud Cree woman from Calling Lake, Alberta, where she was born and raised on the trapline. Her earliest teachings came from the land itself, through hunting, trapping, harvesting, and the powerful stories passed down by generations before her. From a young age, she learned not only how to survive in the bush but how to live with purpose, humility, and deep respect for Mother Earth.

Marina is a respected Elder and proud Cree woman originally from Big Point, Alberta. She was raised by her Nikâwi (mother) and Nôhtâwiy (father), who taught her how to live in harmony with the land and to always give thanks for what was provided. From a young age, she was taught that when she was thirsty, water would be there. When she was hungry, the land would provide. But nothing came without responsibility; everything was to be respected, never taken for granted, and always honoured with prayer.

Florence Sundry was born in 1953 and raised in the Martin Hills region of Alberta, where she grew up immersed in the natural world and surrounded by the strength of a large, close-knit Métis family. As one of 14 children, she learned early on the value of hard work, sharing, and resilience. Life on the land taught her how to live with purpose and integrity, and those teachings have guided her ever since.

Jim (James A.) Cardinal is a proud Métis man from Kikino Métis Settlement and a citizen of the Métis Nation within Alberta. After a 43.5-year career as a Welder with Suncor, Jim retired in 2016. His deep commitment to community and kinship did not end there — from 2018 to 2023, he served as President of Métis Nation of Alberta – Region 1, where he worked to strengthen Métis voices and uphold relationships grounded in respect, collaboration, and care.