With profound sadness, we share the news of the unexpected passing of our Member and staff Member, Sheryl Huppie, on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Fort McMurray, AB.

She was born in British Columbia on June 1, 1974, and raised on the Kikino Métis Settlement until she moved to Fort McMurray in 1996.

Sheryl had 25 years of oil sand experience in health and safety, welding inspection, and project management.

Sheryl was a blessing to our Nation. She was one of our longest-running employees, having worked for us since 2017 in many roles, including Traditional Knowledge Educator.

Our award-winning garden thrived because of her hard work and devotion. She also helped create the Summer Student Program with McMurray Métis.

Sheryl was passionate about gardening, harvesting, and helping people get healthy. She shared her Traditional Knowledge, preparing foods and making oils, salves, and sprays so our Members could access traditional medicines.

Cooking was another passion of hers. She cooked with her special ingredients, love, and prayer and ensured everyone had a full belly and heart.

She was a force of nature and was deeply connected to her Indigenous Culture. She made personal connections to everyone she met and made everyone feel valued and special in their own way. She fostered a family dynamic at the office.

As part of her role, she also worked with Industry and Regulatory Affairs, advocating for Métis rights and collaborating with Western scientists to braid Traditional Knowledge into various projects and committees, including the Ronald Lake Bison Herd, Seed, Berry, Clam Study, Reclamation Engagement Focus Group, Crown-Indigenous Working Group, Impact Assessment Guide & Toolkit for Indigenous Communities and the aquatic manual.

As a true steward of the land, Sheryl cared for the waters, the earth, and all the animals.

Sherly is lovingly survived by her life partner, Bryan Fayant; her three daughters, Chantelle (James), Mackenna (Justin), and Melanie; and granddaughter Aurora, along with her mother, Judy Cardinal, and her two sisters, Laura Cardinal, and Crystal Ladouceur, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends, and colleagues.

She is predeceased by her father, Silas Cardinal, and her sister, Melanie Cardinal.

Sheryl’s legacy was that she was the best mother and best friend that her three daughters could ask for.

Her Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, March 27, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM at our Kahkiyaw Gathering Place, 441 Sakitawaw Trail.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 28, at 11:00 AM in the Miskanaw Ball Room at MacDonald Island Park, with a reception to follow.

We know Sheryl is now with Creator in the most beautiful garden of all. We send our prayers to them and to all her family and friends here on Mother Earth. Please join us in praying.