Chris Clegg
South Peace News
It’s not only about winning and losing, it’s about having a lot of fun!
And fun everyone had at the second annual Tri-Settlement Metis Olympics at Peavine Metis Settlement May 15!
Over 180 students from the South Peace region’s three Metis Settlements: East Prairie, Gift Lake and Peavine attended for a full day of friendly competition, community building and career exploration.
High Prairie RCMP Const. Darren Martens brainstormed the idea last year and it has become a resounding success. His idea was to bring the communities together for a celebration that helps showcase the very best of youth, community spirit, and Indigenous culture.
“When I first had this idea back in 2023, I knew we had something powerful,” says Martens.
“These three settlements – Gift Lake, East Prairie, and Peavine – they’re all in my policing area, and I wanted to bring them together in a good way. Sports has this amazing ability to unite people, and watching these kids compete and cheer for each other, that’s exactly what we’re seeing.”
Gift Lake claimed victory in a nail-biting finish, edging out host Peavine by just a few points in the closest competition yet. The winning athletes received a specially designed challenge coin – a law enforcement tradition symbolizing excellence, achievement, and belonging to something special.
Metis Olympics was derailed in 2023 due to wildfires, but Martens did not give up on his dream. They were first held in 2024. Today, working alongside settlement leaders, Northland School Division, and Family Resource Network staff, Martens helped create an event that goes far beyond simple competition.
“It’s not just about winning or losing,” Martens explains.
“It’s about these young people seeing what’s possible for their futures, building friendships across communities, and bringing families together. When you see a kid’s face light up watching that Forestry helicopter land, or when they’re trying out the police fitness challenges, you know you’re making a difference.”
During the day, the atmosphere was electric. Children and youth from kindergarten to Grade 12 competed in age-appropriate challenges. The Games featured traditional events alongside new additions, including scaled-down police fitness assessments that challenged the youth while remaining age-appropriate. Scores were tallied across all events, with each settlement’s total determining the winner.
The helicopter demonstration by Alberta Forestry proved to be the biggest crowd-pleaser, with children and youth gathering around the aircraft in wonder. Many had never seen a helicopter up close, let alone one used for wildfire management.
Beyond the athletic competitions, the Olympics served as a career fair showcasing opportunities in law enforcement, forestry, fire services, and the military’s Bold Eagle Program – a unique summer training initiative designed specifically for Indigenous youth in western Canada.
“We want these kids to see that there are so many paths open to them,” says Martens.
“Whether it’s becoming a firefighter, joining the RCMP, working in forestry, or serving their communities in other ways, these career booths plant seeds. Sometimes that’s all it takes to change a young person’s trajectory.”
The Olympics drew support from an impressive list of partners including Alberta Forestry, Alberta Fish and Wildlife, Peavine Metis Settlement Fire Services, and the Bold Eagle Program. Industry funding partners and the Government of Alberta’s Family Resource Network program helped make the event possible.
“Thank you to Peavine Metis Settlement council and staff for being such gracious hosts,” says Martens.
“And a special note of gratitude to High Prairie RCMP detachment and K-Division Indigenous Policing liaison, Vern Hagen,” he adds.
Martens heard many positive comments during the day, but one in particular he wanted to share.
“This is what community looks like,” reflected one parent watching her children compete.
Indeed, the day brought together not just the young athletes, but their families, teachers, and community members who came simply to cheer and celebrate.
The third annual Tri-Settlement Metis Olympics will be hosted by East Prairie Metis Settlement in 2026, continuing the tradition that has proven its worth in building bridges and creating opportunities. Gift Lake hosted the first last year.
“For Martens, seeing his vision come to life for the second consecutive year represents something much bigger than a sporting event.
“It’s proof that when communities come together with a common purpose, extraordinary things can happen,” he says.
