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ORT MCMURRAY, AB – Standing at the future home of the McMurray Métis Cultural Centre on Saturday, June 27, ahead of opening ceremonies for Métis Fest, McMurray Métis District Captain Kelly Myers announced renewed momentum on the project, with on-site construction this fall.
The announcement comes as McMurray Métis welcomes thousands of visitors to Métis Fest, one of the region’s most anticipated cultural gatherings, featuring music, food, storytelling, land-based learning, artisans, and community connection.
Speaking from the construction site itself, Myers noted the significance of the announcement during a gathering dedicated to Métis culture.
“As our citizens and visitors gather to celebrate who we are at Métis Fest, it feels fitting to stand at the home of our stories, our history, our rivers, our lands, our people and our future,” said Kelly Myers, District Captain for McMurray Métis.
“In order to move a canoe forward, you have to pull your paddle back. Although the decision to pause construction was extremely difficult, it was the responsible course of action. A tremendous amount of effort happened behind the scenes to reposition this project, strengthen it, and create a path forward that protects the vision and investment made by our citizens and partners. It gives me great pleasure to now share that construction activity will become highly visible to the public as we continue moving this project ahead.”
Throughout 2025, the Project Leadership Team undertook a comprehensive review of the Cultural Centre’s spaces, with emphasis on visitor experience, circulation, operational design, and layout to maximize cultural programming, tourism, and long-term opprotunities.
The review went beyond redesign, encompassing significant technical and operational work to strengthen the facility’s long-term success, including:
- An architectural design review to ensure alignment with the project's vision, cultural significance, and goals
- Detailed systems integration planning, including coordination of HVAC, electrical, and building systems to support long-term functionality, operational efficiency, and energy performance
- Selection of construction materials, including flooring and hardware, with consideration given to durability, cultural relevance, and ease of maintenance
- Cost control measures and value engineering strategies designed to identify savings opportunities while protecting the integrity and purpose of the Cultural Centre.
The Project Leadership Team reduced project completion costs by approximately 60 percent through value engineering, phased construction planning, and operational redesign.
Progress was made possible through collaboration with key project partners. Reimagine Architects advanced the redesign, ensuring spaces reflect community priorities and operational needs. EllisDon and Bird Construction worked alongside project leadership to establish a practical path toward construction delivery, bringing decades of experience to the project’s next phase.
Project Director, Shawn Myers, emphasized that significant progress occurred well before equipment returned to site.
“A considerable amount of work happened in 2025, which included significant value engineering exercises and redesign of the entire infrastructure, which resulted in reduced costs, which also included extensive engagement with the citizens of McMurray Métis and the broader public, careful redesign of spaces, operational planning, technical coordination, and ensuring the project remains financially and operationally feasible. The work completed over the last year has built a stronger foundation for what happens next. Construction is much more than bulldozers and cranes,” said Myers.
Community engagement remained central throughout the redesign process, with feedback from citizens and stakeholders shaping improvements to accessibility, visitor experience, and programming.
McMurray Métis District Captain Kelly Myers expressed gratitude to the leadership team, Shawn Myers, Reimagine Architects, EllisDon, Bird Construction, and RBC, whose recognition of the Cultural Centre as a model of community-driven economic development reinforces the significance of creating spaces that preserve culture while generating opportunities for future generations.
She noted that progress reflects not only technical expertise and investment but also relationships built on a shared commitment to community and long-term impact.
She invited them to join the “River of Legacy,” a permanent installation that will be unveiled at the Cultural Centre’s opening. Inspired by the spirit of the rivers and the journey of the River Métis, it will recognize those who walked alongside McMurray Métis in shaping the Cultural Centre’s legacy.
“Like a river, this project has never been about one person or one organization,” Myers said.
“It has been shaped by many hands moving together in the same direction. The River of Legacy will honor those who chose to walk alongside us and whose contributions helped transform a vision into something that will serve generations to come.”
She thanked McMurray Métis Executive Director Don Scott for positioning the project across all levels of government and the Industry Partners, which include financial contributions from federal, provincial, and our municipal governments, along with Infinity Metis Corporation, McMurray Métis, Syncrude Canada, Canadian Natural Resources, and Imperial Oil.
“On behalf of McMurray Métis, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who has worked tirelessly to move this project forward, including our citizens, partners, and the leadership team.
The McMurray Métis Cultural Centre is more than a construction project, it is a long-term commitment to Métis culture, community pride, and future opportunity. McMurray Metis remain focused on delivering a facility that protects the vision of our nation, one that preserves culture, supports education and reconciliation, and creates meaningful economic impact for generations.” Don Scott, Executive Director, McMurray Métis
McMurray Métis also introduced the Cultural Centre’s visual identity and brand in 2025. Rooted in the spirit of the River Métis and inspired by the Athabasca River, the brand reflects a place of gathering, learning, celebration, and belonging, the living heart of the community.
The McMurray Métis Cultural Centre will be a landmark destination celebrating Métis culture and heritage while creating opportunities for education, tourism, and economic development. It will feature museum and exhibition spaces; event and program spaces; a theatre for storytelling and performance; and hands-on land-based learning.
Beyond its economic contributions, the Centre will support cultural revitalization and education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike. It directly supports 24 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, representing a meaningful contribution to reconciliation through education, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
“When you step into the Cultural Centre, you step into a living story,” Myers said. “You step into the heart of who we are, and our heart is open.”
McMurray Métis looks forward to sharing future milestones with citizens, partners, and the Wood Buffalo community.
Media Contact:Melanie WalshCommunications Managermelanie@woodbuffalomedia.ca
