McMurray Métis Cultural Centre display (Photo Credits - McMurray Métis)
Construction on the McMurray Métis Cultural Centre will resume this fall after a year-long redesign cut remaining on the completion costs by about 60 percent. The announcement made during the 2026 Métis Fest, highlighted the Centre’s future role in preserving Métis culture while advancing tourism, education and economic development.
Kelly Myers, District 17 Captain for McMurray Métis, discusses with CFWE on the projects focus on securing funding, completing engineering and redesign work, and finalizing contract agreements – marking a first for the Cultural Centre project.
District 17 Captain Kelly Myers with McMurray Métis board members interacting with Cultural Centre display at Métis Fest (Photo Credits – McMurray Métis)
Myers outlined the next phase of the project from the future cultural centre site.
“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,” Myers said. “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.”
Shawn Myers, President and CEO of Infinity Métis Corp., highlights the positive response from Métis and non-Métis community members following the announcement at Métis Fest, where attendees placed stickers on a display to share what they’d like included in the completed Cultural Centre.
Métis citizen placing a sticker at the Cultural Centre display at Métis Fest (Photo Credits – McMurray Métis)
Myers discusses jobs the project will create, including work for up to 400 construction workers, skilled trades opportunities for Métis citizens, and approximately 75 permanent positions once the cultural centre is complete.
Don Scott, Executive Director of McMurray Métis says the building will attract community members and visitors from across Canada, featuring programming, a theatre space, and culinary delights.
The announcement also included the introduction of the River of Legacy, a permanent installation recognizing governments, organizations, industry partners and individuals whose contributions helped advance the project.
Funding for the project includes contributions from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as McMurray Métis, Infinity Métis Corporation, Syncrude Canada, Canadian Natural Resources and Imperial Oil.
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