December 8, 2023

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, celebrates the righting of a 153-year-old injustice, which sees Louis Riel finally recognized as the first Premier of Manitoba.

The Act comes after over three decades of advocacy and public education efforts by President Chartrand and the MMF. From the removal of the offensive statue of Riel that depicted him as a tortured figure, to the inclusion of Louis Riel’s painting in Manitoba’s Legislative Building recognizing him as the founder of Manitoba and the introduction of Louis Riel Day on February 19th of each year, the road to this recognition has been long. These efforts have always been driven by the will of Red River Métis Citizens, standing united in a call to have Louis Riel recognized and remembered as the first Premier of Manitoba.

President Chartrand, along with Citizens, staff and MMF Cabinet members, were at the Manitoba Legislative Building to witness the historic moment the Act received Royal Assent.

“Royal Assent happened so quickly, it’s almost hard to believe that all the years of struggle and advocacy could end with a single gesture by our Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville,” said President Chartrand. “This makes our Nation’s dreams come true, and instills a huge sense of pride in our Citizens.”

Members of the Government of Manitoba’s Red River Métis caucus – Bernadette Smith, Renée Cable, Billie Cross, Tyler Blashko and Robert Loiselle – proudly wore their sashes to the Assembly for the Act’s passage. Afterward, they presented President Chartrand with a copy of the Act signed by Premier Kinew and the Red River Métis MLAs who helped usher in the historic Act.

“The first signed copy will be taken to Louis Riel’s gravesite, so our great leader knows that his desire to be recognized as a leader for good in Canada has finally come true,” said President Chartrand. “The second signed copy will be framed and put on display in our heritage centre, so future generations will be able to see and understand that the long battle for Riel’s recognition was finally achieved in 2023. I commend Premier Kinew and his team for joining us in this long battle, walking alongside us for the last few years as we worked to achieve this vision.”

The MMF will continue to engage with the Government of Manitoba, to see the oil painting of Louis Riel installed with the other historic premiers, so that he inspires the same feelings of pride that Red River Métis Citizens, Manitobans and Canadians feel when they look at the portraits of other past premiers.

“Now that this historic event has taken place, there is so much more to be done, ensuring that Canadians are educated about the contributions of Louis Riel as a father of Canada’s Confederation,” said President Chartrand. “Without doubt, he is looking down on us and seeing that his courage, bravery and sacrifice were not in vain. All children in Manitoba and Canada will now learn about Louis Riel the hero, the visionary, the founder of Manitoba and a father of Canada’s confederation. It’s a proud day to be Red River Métis.”

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

NT5

December 7, 2023

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) congratulates the newly elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Cindy Woodhouse of the Pinaymootang First Nation.

“Today marks a new beginning for the AFN as it regains its’ rightful and prominent place in the national political landscape,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “I want to wish National Chief Woodhouse the very best in her mandate and I look forward to witnessing firsthand what we can accomplish when we work together in solidarity for all First Nations.”

Cindy Woodhouse was elected at a special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa, after former National Chief Roseanne Archibald was voted out of office in July. She was one of six candidates, and won on the XXX ballot.

“I am very pleased to see us all come together in a spirit of cooperation and democracy,” added Chief Cameron Catcheway of the Skownan First Nation. “I am hopeful this election will strengthen our resolve and political advocacy, especially when it comes to defending our inherent and Treaty rights.”

SCO is looking forward to working with National Chief Woodhouse when it comes to our ongoing efforts to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process. SCO is also anticipating enhanced advocacy from the AFN when it comes to ongoing issues for our Nations, including housing, healthcare access and transformation, Elder care, and increasing opportunities for economic sovereignty.

“This is the start of real and lasting change for all First Nations, especially when it comes to our relationship with our federal Treaty partner,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “We are stronger when we work together. I pledge my full support to our new National Chief as make our voices heard like never before.”

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 85,500 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

For media inquiries:

Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca

NT4

December 7, 2023

Manitoba’s new provincial government enacted key pieces of legislation for Manitobans during the first session of the 43rd Manitoba legislature, passing three major bills that include a gas tax holiday starting Jan. 1, 2024, Premier Wab Kinew announced today.

“Manitobans gave our government a strong mandate to right the course of our province,” said Kinew. “We’ve taken this message of unity and collaboration in stride. In our first legislative session, our team worked together to pass important laws, to take steps forward on reconciliation and deliver on lowering costs for Manitoba families.”

The premier noted the bills passed by the government during this legislative session are:

• the Fuel Tax Amendment Act, which will lower costs for Manitoba families, farmers and businesses, taking 14 cents off per litre every time they head to the pump;
• the Orange Shirt Day Act, which will allow more Manitobans, including those who work in provincially regulated workplaces, to take time to recognize the stories and resilience of residential school survivors. This new law is grounded in the work of residential school survivors and fulfils the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80; and
• the Louis Riel Act, which recognizes Riel as the honorary first premier of Manitoba and provides more tools to educators to include his legacy in the curriculum for students across the province.

The government also acted to immediately address emergency department wait times, strengthen public health-care services and add 31 new beds at the Grace Hospital, said Kinew.

“Our government has made critical investments to repair the public health-care system and we are looking forward to hearing from front-line health-care professionals during our upcoming listening tour,” said Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara.

Another highlight of the session was welcoming the public back to the Manitoba Legislative Building for the Holiday Open House on Dec. 2, noted Kinew.

The legislative session is scheduled to resume on March 7, 2024.

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For more information:

Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.

NT4