Weaving Community: Leading with Heart, Connection, and Continuum, The Otipemisiwak Metis Government Connector Story
Getting Out into Community
When Lisa Hunt stepped into her role as a Community Connector, she approached it in a way that felt natural to her - by showing up, sitting down, and having real conversations. Through regular coffee chats, community visits, and attending local gatherings, Lisa connected with Métis citizens, artisans, Elders, youth, business owners, and partner organizations. These conversations were never rushed. They were rooted in listening, relationship-building, and creating a space where people felt comfortable sharing who they are and what they care about. Over time, this consistent presence - built trust and opened the door for deeper connections across the community.
Building from What Already Exists
Rather than creating new programs from the ground up, Lisa focused on recognizing and uplifting the strengths already within the community. Through her engagement tracking, she kept thoughtful records of the people she met, their skills, and their interests. When it came time to host events, she drew directly from those connections, inviting Métis artisans, musicians, and community members to step into roles that reflected their gifts. This approach was evident in events like the Métis Week Market and Mingle, where over 100 attendees gathered in a space that felt vibrant, welcoming, and community-led.
Being Surprised by Our Own Community
Even with years of involvement in the Métis community, Lisa discovered just how much was happening that often goes unseen. Through her outreach, she connected with organizations offering meaningful support, as well as individuals who had been quietly contributing their time and talents for years. Those moments showed Lisa that the strength of the community is already there, it just needs to be brought together and given space to grow.
Asking the Right Questions
A key part of Lisa’s approach has been creating simple and accessible ways for people to share their voices. Through surveys, informal conversations, and follow-ups, she gathered insights on what community members were looking for. These responses helped shape everything from artisan-focused gatherings to culturally grounded activities like gardening and storytelling events. The feedback also highlighted a desire for more opportunities such as artisan markets, skill-building, and spaces to learn and share traditional knowledge. Lisa uses this information to guide her work in a way that reflects real community interest rather than assumptions.
Stepping Back and Letting Others Shine
Lisa’s leadership style is rooted in creating space for others. She pays attention to people’s strengths and looks for opportunities to invite them into meaningful roles. Whether it was encouraging a community member to step into an emcee role at an event, supporting Métis facilitators to lead workshops, or uplifting artisans by showcasing their work, Lisa focuses on helping others feel confident and valued. Her approach allows community members to see themselves as contributors, not just participants.
Partnerships that Grow Naturally
Many of Lisa’s partnerships have grown from simple, genuine conversations. A connection with Cornerstone Music Café led to the creation of a monthly Métis Connect gathering space. These events provided a consistent and welcoming place for community members to come together, share stories, and build relationships over time. This partnership reflects a shared belief in continuity and the importance of having reliable spaces where communities can gather regularly.
Planting Together: Community-Led Gatherings
Lisa’s work often creates the conditions for community-led ideas to take shape. A gardening gathering, inspired by conversations with community members, brought people together to plant, learn, and share in a hands-on way. Métis facilitators stepped into leadership roles, guiding the experience and creating a space that felt both educational and welcoming. These types of gatherings reflect Lisa’s approach of listening first and then supporting ideas that come directly from the community.
Creating Welcoming Spaces
At the heart of Lisa’s work is her ability to make people feel welcome. Whether greeting someone at the door, remembering a name, or creating a space where people feel comfortable speaking and sharing, she prioritizes inclusion in every interaction. This is especially important for those attending their first event. Lisa makes a point of ensuring that new participants feel seen and invited into the space, which often leads to them returning and becoming more involved over time.
The Power of Connection
Lisa’s work is built on relationships. Each coffee chat, event, and introduction strengthens the network of connection within the Métis community. From supporting artisan focus groups, to connecting individuals with opportunities, to collaborating with organizations and small businesses, her work continues to grow through trust and word of mouth. There is a steady and intentional weaving happening, one that values people, relationships, and shared experiences above all else.
There is no single outcome that defines this work. Instead, it is ongoing, shaped by the people involved and the connecons being made. Through care, consistency, and a genuine commitment to community, Lisa continues to help create spaces where people feel they belong and where the Métis community in Calgary can continue to grow in its own way.