MMF: A legacy for the future

A legacy for the future / Un héritage pour l’avenir

View the full special advertorial issue here: http://mmf.mb.ca/docs/laliberte_advertorial_mmf.pdf

Message from the President

The Métis Nation is a strong and proud Nation. We were born here in the Red River Valley. Our Fathers spoke the languages of Europe, our Mothers the languages of the Plains. We are a multilingual nation. The Métis speak many different languages with some speaking two and three different languages. My own first language is Saulteaux.

As Métis, our official language is Michif. It is a language our Ancestors created. However, not every Métis Citizen speaks it. It is challenging to reach across our diverse linguistic landscape. We have not done a good job at it. However, your Métis Government is changing this.

The Manitoba Metis Federation, the democratically elected government representative of the Métis Nation in Manitoba, is committing itself to developing a language services component to its communications efforts that will better enable us to reach our Citizens in their primary language. We are beginning with the French language which our Métis Ancestors constitutionally protected in the Manitoba Act, 1870.

We will eventually offer services in the official Métis language – Michif. Our efforts in these areas will be guided by our Métis Citizens. The Métis Government is preparing to undertake community consultations over the next year to map the linguistic landscape of the Métis Nation in Manitoba. We will use what we learn to shape how the Métis Government will direct its communications in order to best relate to Métis Citizens.

With the support and guidance of the Métis Community, we will develop strong communications in a variety of languages. In that spirit, I am proud to bring to you this special edition in La Liberté. This is but one of the many steps we will take in broadening our abilities to reach all Métis Citizens in their preferred language.

The Métis Government would be pleased to hear from you about this initiative. I encourage you to reach out the Manitoba Metis Federation with your comments and thoughts. You may reach our Communications Department via email at communications@mmf.mb.ca or by calling 204-586-8474 extension 324.

Believe in Yourself – Believe in Métis

Meeqwetch,

President David Chartrand

NT5