There is no new survey data to support this decision. We are extremely excited to work toward this This cancellation has nothing to do with the moose objective and look forward to working with our and everything to do with his personal vendetta First Nations relatives to protect the rights of all against our Community and all Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples and set a model that will ensure We have correspondence from Manitoba that states our future generations have their rights protected as blatantly that they will not move forward with a well. moose hunt unless all interests, including non- aboriginal hunters, agree on a path forward. If Riel was alive today, he would want us to continue forward with our conservation-minded limited moose Any attempt to prevent the Métis Nation or First harvest and resist Pallister’s attempt to trample on Nations from feeding our families the traditional food the rights of all Indigenous peoples, like Riel resisted we have been raised on generation after generation Canada’s invasion 150 years ago. That is why we are is clearly a message of systemic racism by Pallister continuing forward with our moose harvest this Fall. and he is seeking to reward his supporters to pit the We want to make it clear: a limited moose harvest Indigenous against the non-aboriginal peoples. will not cause harm to the moose populations in the Duck and Porcupine Mountains. The province is attempting to equalize the legal standing of non-aboriginal hunters and Indigenous Rest assured, we are in this together. Your Métis harvesters. Non-aboriginal hunters enjoy a privilege, government will be by your side to resist the but Indigenous harvesters enjoy a constitutionally government’s attempt to oppress our people. Please, protected right to harvest. Pallister may not like be sure to exercise our harvesting rights responsibly These past couple of weeks have once again been it, but the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled and, as always, to abide by the Métis Laws of the very busy for your Métis Government. We have been numerous times that our section 35 harvesting Harvest. We cannot continue to allow Pallister to preparing to deliver another wave of COVID support rights trump non-aboriginal hunters’ privileges. The undermine our rights and support the recreational as cases continue to rise in Manitoba and we have interests of Pallister’s voter base are not ahead of hunting pleasures of his friends. been preparing for a historic moose harvest in the Canada’s Constitution. coming weeks that will see eligible and registered We did our live draw on October 14 and the Moose Harvesting Parties go into the Porcupine and With Riel’s birthday approaching, we must take Conservation Tags are being distributed to the Duck Mountains to provide food for their families, a moment to remember what he stood for and successful Captains of the Hunt. Once more, we are Community, and most importantly our Elders. the message that he carried with him. As the first recommending that the meat from this harvest be Premier of Manitoba, Riel’s beliefs and values are distributed to your families and Elders. As we are Recently, Manitoba opened the 42nd Legislative not what we are seeing today. Riel wanted to build battling the second wave of COVID in Manitoba, we Assembly and Brian Pallister delivered his Throne bridges between all people, Indigenous or not, need to make sure that our Elders are taken care of. Speech that provided a vision for Manitoba. In the helping farmers and minorities and not erecting speech, Pallister noted that we are celebrating the walls that divide us. He worked for the betterment My prayers go out to those victimized by the mob 150th anniversary of Manitoba becoming a province of all Manitobans’ lives in 1870 as well as for future attack on Mi’kmaq fishers in Nova Scotia. The police but failed to mention the Métis Nation and Riel or generations. This is the path and vision that your are laying arson charges and we at the Manitoba our creation of Manitoba. Manitoba Métis Government continues to pursue. Metis Federation are hoping that justice is truly handed down to those who committed this act of We are not surprised, as Pallister continues to Riel’s vision of unity is clear when one looks at how hatred. As Canadians we must stand together and carry out his public crusade against the Manitoba the provisional governments were established and not just stand by while injustice is committed. Métis. The Métis, led by Louis Riel, are the Founders run. These governments allowed for representation of this province and recognized in the Supreme of all Parishes in the Settlement; not just the French I will also be keeping those affected by the COVID-19 Court of Canada as Canada’s negotiating partner and not just the Métis were welcomed to represent pandemic in my prayers as we continue to combat in Confederation. Omitting us from his speech the interests of the Parishes. Riel had a vision that this second wave in Manitoba. Please wash your intentionally disrespects our Nation and is an attempt advanced the interests of all Manitobans. hands, wear a mask, and practice social distancing to disregard and undermine our contributions to this protocols. If we work together as we did in the initial beautiful province we are blessed to call home. His vision included the Métis, First Nations, French, wave, we will make it out of this pandemic stronger English, and all other future inhabitants of Manitoba and more united than ever. Just weeks ago, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau coming together. Riel’s vision was truly ahead of his mentioned the Métis Nation a historic amount of time. Meeqwetch, times in Canada’s Throne Speech, but not once were we mentioned by Pallister in Manitoba’s Throne We are continuing this vision as we work together Speech. Manitoba is our province built on the with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization to establish vision and hard work of our Ancestors, and yet we a historic Indigenous-led conservation authority in were ignored by the Premier. This was not the only Manitoba. There are over 3,100 moose in the two seed of division that has been planted by Pallister’s mountains; we are harvesting only 26 bull moose. government in recent weeks. How could anyone say we are not concerned or responsible knowing we have over 100,000 Shortly after the Throne Speech the Pallister Citizens and continue to work for the betterment of Government announced they were cancelling their conservation and sharing? planned moose harvest season in 2020. President David Chartrand, LL.D. (hon), O.M. MMF launches Youth Entrepreneurship Program On October 5, 2020, the Manitoba Metis Federation affiliate, ensuring that each successful applicant payments or interest-only throughout the off-season) (MMF) announced the launch of the Youth has a customized experience to gain the supports, and terms up to 48 months. This open loan will have Entrepreneurship Program, which aims to encourage resources, and knowledge necessary to help them no penalty for additional principal payments. entrepreneurism in Manitoba Métis Youth aged 18 get established. to 29. The program will assist with skill development “With the support provided here at the Manitoba and provide financial supports to help bring the “For this program, they have designed a module to Metis Federation, our Youth will be able to achieve business ideas of Métis Youth to life. help understand the level of support each client will goals and plan for their futures,” said Minister need to ensure that the Youth get the guidance they Genaille. “We look forward to seeing all that our “The Youth Entrepreneurship Program was created require,” said Minister Genaille. “This information Métis Youth have to offer. We look forward to seeing to ensure that innovation and inspiration are will be used to identify an action plan in the areas the business ideas from the Métis community. Most encouraged among our Métis Youth,” said Richard of business programs, skill development courses of all, we look forward to engaging our Youth and Genaille, MMF Minister of Sports & Youth. “With or workshops, business mentorship and business turning their ideas into success stories.” this, we hope to build their futures as business planning.” owners and further economic development in our For more information and to apply, contact the MET Manitoba Métis Community.” Eligible clients could receive a small business grant Youth Coordinator at contribution that either provides up to 40 per cent [email protected]. The program is being provided by the MMF’s Metis of total project costs, to a maximum of $5,000, or Employment and Training (MET) department and a small business loan that provides up to $20,000 Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC), an MMF in capital, with flexible payment options (deferred MMF hosts sod turning ceremony for childcare centre in Dauphin On October 6, 2020, the Manitoba Metis Federation will ensure that there will be access to childcare and The MMF’s childcare strategy will also have economic (MMF) hosted a sod turning ceremony in Dauphin to culturally appropriate programming across Manitoba. spinoffs in the form of jobs, with the hiring of Early celebrate breaking ground on Michif Children’s Place, Childhood Educators, Childcare Assistants, and more. a childcare centre that will host fifty new daycare “Our priority is to make sure that Métis families spaces for children in Dauphin and the surrounding have a priority placement, however, these childcare “This project is more than an economic investment area. Michif Children’s Place is an expansion of centres are open for all Manitobans,” said Minister in Dauphin. Though this project will create more jobs the Before and After School Program at Whitmore Chartrand. “One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic and allow more parents to return to the workforce, it School, a K-5 school in Dauphin. has taught us, without access to childcare, parents does so much more, for providing social, economic, are unable to return to work and must turn to and academic benefit,” said MMF President David Frances Chartrand, MMF Minister of Early Learning grandparents, family members, and/or friends to Chartrand. “Our investment is primarily in the Child Care and Vice-President of the Northwest Metis care for their children so they can return to the children. The children are tomorrow’s leaders, but if Council, provided opening remarks at the event. workforce to provide a safe home for their families.” we do not start investing in them today, how can we MMF President David Chartrand, Dauphin Mayor expect them to succeed later in life?” Allen Dowhan, Dauphin MLA Brad Michaleski, and This project is part of the MMF’s childcare strategy, MMF Minister of Sports & Youth Richard Genaille a commitment to develop more childcare spaces Construction on Michif Children’s Place is expected to also brought greetings. across Manitoba with current projects in St. be completed in August 2021. Email Eustache, Swan River, Thompson, and Winnipeg. The [email protected] for more information about the “Childcare is critical to the educational and social MMF will also be opening a new childcare centre in 2021 wait list. development of children. Across the province there Duck Bay this month in partnership with the Elbert is a severe shortage in childcare spaces and culturally Chartrand Friendship Centre, Abinoje Aboriginal appropriate programming for children and families,” Head Start Program. said Minister Chartrand. “Your Métis Government MMF breaks ground on housing projects in Selkirk and Winnipeg The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) recently The $1.7-million six-plex in Winnipeg will include one that will benefit the Métis and, indeed, all broke ground on two housing projects in Manitoba, four-bedroom unit, two three-bedroom units, and Manitobans across the province,” said President one at 911 Vaughan Avenue in Selkirk on October 7, three two-bedroom units. All units are designated Chartrand. and the other at 184 Eugenie Street in Winnipeg on as affordable housing and will feature in-suite October 8. laundry, open-concept kitchens, and air conditioning. “The construction industry is a massive economic Construction of these rental units is expected to be engine that supports the creation of jobs from the The $2.1-million project in Selkirk consists of completed in early summer 2021. person cutting down the lumber, the labourer putting five three-bedroom, 1,122-square-foot homes up beams, and ultimately the salesperson selling with attached garages and finished basements. Brad Boudreau, Policy Analyst for the MMF’s Housing furniture and equipment,” said President Chartrand. Construction on these rental units will be completed and Property Management department, served as “The MMF continues to contribute to the economic in early summer 2021. emcee for the groundbreaking ceremony at 184 success and COVID recovery in Manitoba.” Eugenie Street. Winnipeg Metis Association Vice- MMF President David Chartrand, MMF Minister of President Andrew Carrier, City Councillor for St. These investments are intended to target and Housing and Property Management Will Goodon, Boniface Matt Allard, St. Boniface MLA Dougald directly support Métis Citizens, recognizing that the Interlake Metis Association Board Member Mona Lamont, Minister Goodon, and President Chartrand contributions made by the Métis Government and Buors, and Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson spoke at spoke at the event. Citizens continue to have direct and lasting positive the groundbreaking event. Selkirk Red River Metis social, economic, and health impacts. Local Chair Keith Ginther was also in attendance. “This project here represents the best of public policy, community, and institutional strength “Our housing projects are about more than just “Over the last few months your Métis Government in the St. Boniface and wider Francophone and economic benefits. It is also about the ability to make has provided multiple housing initiatives across the Métis communities,” said Councillor Allard. “It’s sure that our units are affordable to those who may province under the Canada-Métis Nation Housing encouraging to see affordable housing prioritized otherwise struggle to get sheltered,” said President Sub-Accord,” said Minister Goodon. “We would like here in the heart of our residential area.” Chartrand. to thank the City of Selkirk for working closely with the MMF to make this project a reality, and Prime The MMF is partnering with James Advent of “These new builds will be supporting Métis families Minister Justin Trudeau for continuing to make the Jameson Enterprises, a Métis business owner, on the that may not have otherwise had an opportunity Métis Nation a priority on Canada’s agenda, and for project. to have a new home. Our housing priorities have continuing his commitment to a government-to- been set by our Citizens since day one. The Métis government relationship.” “It’s a win-win-win scenario,” said Minister Goodon. Nation always values our Elders, so affordable senior “Not only are we going to have Métis families living housing is our top priority, and the Métis cherish “This is a significant investment by the MMF in a in here, not only are we going to have Métis housing, our families, so affordable family housing is a close housing project, and as Mayor for the City of Selkirk but we’re going to have a Métis contractor who’s second. We continue to work to provide the various I am very proud of today’s announcement and of our going to have Métis employees.” types of residential units required to meet the needs continued partnership with the MMF,” said Mayor of our people.” Johannson. “This is not the first housing investment Along with additional affordable housing builds by the MMF in our city, and I can only hope there will across the province, this project will generate be many more. They have picked a beautiful location economic spinoffs. for these new builds and I know there will be proud and happy families living here for generations to “Our team is continuing to develop plans for come.” construction projects in all corners of our province The Return of The Beat Goes On The Beat Goes On, the Manitoba Metis Federation’s Band, Errol Ranville and the C-Weed Band, and the non-repayable contributions to eligible Métis (MMF) free livestream concert series featuring the Johnny Dietrich Band. Future performances will entrepreneurs, assisting community and collectively best musical talent from across the Manitoba Métis include the Diana Desjardins Band, the Mike Lauze owned businesses and microbusinesses, including Community, returned on September 29 and will Band, SHE Band, CT Taylor & Triple Threat, and the musicians. Métis Citizens can learn more about the continue to air on Tuesdays at 7 pm. Brandi Vezina Band. Métis Community Business Fund by visiting medf.ca/ news_details.php?news_id=12. The entertainment show, which first aired on April 4, The Beat Goes On gives Métis performers an was created for families to celebrate Métis culture opportunity to showcase their music and provide an To watch The Beat Goes On, please visit mmf.mb.ca in a socially distanced and responsible way while experience for all Manitobans that lifts the spirits of on Tuesdays at 7 pm. To view past episodes, visit the adhering to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Prior viewers and stay connected with each other, while official MMF YouTube page at youtube.com/user/ to going on hiatus on July 2, The Beat Goes On filled also providing support to Métis musicians – many ManitobaMetisMMF. over 200 homes each episode with love, laughter, of whom can no longer perform in many venues and Métis culture and music. throughout Winnipeg and the surrounding areas as COVID restrictions continue. On the first episode back, Ray St. Germain joined the Dutiaume Family Band for a special performance, The family-friendly program revival came around with songs such as “I’m Mighty Proud I’m Métis” and the same time as the MMF’s announcement of the “Conchita Kowalski.” Other recent episodes of The Métis Community Business Fund. Through funding Beat Goes On have included the Michael Audette from the federal government, the MMF provides October 22 marks Louis Riel’s birthday On October 22, the Manitoba Metis Federation In the summer of 1870, Canada sent a military celebrates the anniversary of Louis Riel’s birth. expedition, the “Wolseley expedition,” inciting a Born in 1844, Riel was a founder of the province Reign of Terror. With their lives at stake, Riel and of Manitoba, a father of Confederation, and the others fled the Red River Settlement. While in exile, visionary leader of the Métis Nation. Riel was elected to Canadian Parliament three times, but was never able to take his seat. During the Red River Resistance of 1869-1870, which was ignited by the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Over a decade later, Riel was called out of his exile in sale of Rupert’s Land to the Dominion of Canada the United States in the summer of 1884 to lead the without consulting with the Métis, Riel formed North-west Resistance, defending the Métis Nation’s the first Manitoba government. This provisional land rights and food sources. government ultimately negotiated the terms under which the province of Manitoba entered Canadian Following the North-west Resistance of 1885, Riel Confederation. was captured. On July 6, 1885, he was charged with treason, a retaliation for the provisional On December 8, 1869, the provisional government government’s execution of Thomas Scott during the released a proclamation called the “Declaration of Red River Resistance. Riel’s trial began in Regina on the People of Rupert’s Land and the North-West,” July 20. A jury found him guilty, and he was executed denying Canada’s power over the North-West. The in Regina on November 16, 1885. first legislative body under Riel’s leadership was known as the Convention of 40, with 20 English An iconic figure in Canadian history, Riel protected speakers and 20 French speakers. Riel not only Métis self-determination and language, as well as represented the Métis; he represented all citizens. French, Indigenous, and religious rights. Resisting injustice at every turn, he and his government took In January 1870, representatives created a new the stand to protect our rights, our lands, and our “List of Rights,” which was built upon an inclusive families. Without Riel crusading for these rights, vision for Manitoba – one that valued bilingualism, the landscape of Manitoba and Canada would multiculturalism, as well as Indigenous and minority look very different today. Riel blazed the trail for rights. The List was a foundational document in self-governance and recognition, and the Métis establishing Manitoba as a province in Canadian government is an embodiment of his legacy. Confederation through the Manitoba Act, which received royal assent on May 12, 1870. The Manitoba Act promised the Métis Nation 1.4 million acres of land, but the promise was not kept.