The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is asking the Town of St. Paul to consider restoring the community’s historic original name — St. Paul des Métis — saying the issue remains deeply significant to Métis families connected to the area’s history.

The request was outlined in a May 4 letter from Grant Lacombe, Secretary of Harvesting and Culture with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, which was presented during the Town’s May 11 council meeting.

In the letter addressed to Mayor Glenn Andersen, Lacombe said the organization is also requesting the Town consider installing a wooden Red River cart at a prominent entrance to the community as a visible acknowledgement of the area’s Métis heritage.

“Established in 1896, St. Paul des Métis was the first Métis settlement of its kind,” Lacombe wrote.

The letter states that when the land was opened to non-Métis settlers in 1909, Métis families were forcibly displaced from their homes, farms and community. Despite that history, Lacombe wrote that Métis people continued advocating for recognition and self-determination, efforts that later contributed to the formation of what is now the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

“These actions would represent important steps toward honouring the history of the land and fostering a stronger relationship grounded in respect and recognition,” the letter states.

Council received the correspondence as information and did not formally debate the request or make any decisions during the meeting.

Lacombe signed the letter as the great-great-grandson of Laurent and Eleanor Garneau, identified as one of the founding families of St. Paul des Métis.