Special Statement by President Chartrand on Louis Riel Day

February 20, 2023

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – Today, the Red River Métis and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) pause to reflect on Louis Riel, father of confederation, founder of Manitoba and the province’s first premier. We must never forget this great leader, who protected the rights of all Manitobans and brought this province into Canada’s confederation.

We are, as we have always been, a self-governed people. The MMF is the National Government of the Red River Métis, the inheritor of our Ancestors’ mandate to Lous Riel’s provisional government.

In spite of the many hardships our people have faced since the founding of our province, we have never given up on the inclusive vision Riel had for our Homeland, what was once known as the Northwest. Our rights were denied in 1870, but today, our Nation is growing stronger. We have taken many strides toward finding our rightful place in our country’s present and future.

I know Louis Riel smiles down on us with pride, seeing that we never gave up on his dream and the dream of our Ancestors, and that we continue to advance this dream in modern times.

To Red River Métis Citizens – always be proud of who we are and keep your family strong. To our fellow Manitobans – have a safe and enjoyable Louis Riel Day with family and friends.

For Manitobans and visitors wishing to participate in Louis Riel Day festivities with the Red River Métis, there are events taking place across Manitoba. For more information, check out our website: /louis-riel-day-2023.

To learn more about some of the traditional activities of the Red River Métis, check out our coverage of the 76^th Annual Northern Manitoba Trapper’s Festival: /trappers-festival-2023

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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 Red River 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

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