MMF announces success of first Beyond Borders meeting with Red River Métis Citizens outside of Manitoba

June 23, 2022

Calgary, AB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Yesterday, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis, kicked off its first meeting with Citizens who reside outside of Manitoba in other parts of the Red River Métis Homeland.

“It was a tremendous opportunity to meet with our Nation’s Citizens outside of Manitoba,” said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. “We have had ongoing dialogue with many of our Citizens in the Homeland on an informal basis, but it was important that we formalize our relationship with our Citizens in other parts of our Homeland, so we can continue to build our grassroots foundation.”

President Chartrand received a standing ovation in last night’s event, which was attended by a full room, with Citizens coming to discuss the future with the official National Métis Government. Along with hearing from Citizens about their immediate priorities for rights, programs and services, discussions centered around addressing the threats to our identity originating from Ontario and further east, where people of mixed heritage are misusing the definition of Métis to claim our distinct heritage and history as their own, with an eye to gaining the same rights we have fought for generations to obtain.

“These are Citizens who know that the MMF stands firm as the protector and defender of the national definition of Métis, and they understand that we welcome them home,” said President Chartrand. “Together, we will stand united against any and all attempts to shift our identity away from our distinct traditions and history.”

The task force will continue meeting with Citizens in other parts of our Homeland over the course of the summer, including a meeting in Vancouver this evening and other stops in communities across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and beyond.

-30-

Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis, the origin and core of the Métis Nation. The Manitoba Métis are Canada’s Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

NT5