if they did not need to. The Red River Cart was tough Our Ancestors forged a new and unique identity that and versatile. These carts could transfer between 300 is not found anywhere else. These individuals who to 400 kilograms of freight and cross waterways if want to claim they are Metis are trying to piggyback needed. And if fur traders were forced to cross large on the hard work of our modern and historic Metis waterways, the York Boat was critical. York Boats Governments. were shallow and designed to navigate large bodies of water with a large carrying capacity. Just on June 15 a man in Brandon pled guilty for falsely claiming to be Metis in an attempt to evade On June 19, we hosted yet another event celebrating charges under the Fisheries Act. The man was the legacy of our ancestors at the Victory at Frog confronted by a Manitoba Conservation officer after Plain. This was a great afternoon that included a he saw that the man had too many lines in the water barbeque at Seven Oaks House Museum, followed by and eventually found barbed hooks on the lines. The a ceremony with guest speakers at the Seven Oaks man claimed he was Metis but could not produce Monument on Main Street in Winnipeg. June 19 is a card when asked and was given three days to truly one of the most historically significant days of produce this card but never did. Metis history. More than two centuries ago, over a couple of years, our Ancestors pushed back against The man was not only charged under the Fisheries This past weekend, the Manitoba Metis Federation the arbitrary laws and improper seizures announced Act, but Judge Donavan Dvorak also fined the man (MMF) hosted a number of events to celebrate and approved by the Governors of the Hudson’s Bay $750 for attempting to obstruct the investigation by Manitoba 150. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company (HBC) territories in Rupert’s Land, including claiming Metis identity. I want to commend Judge the Red River Settlement. Dvorak for doing his part and handing down a stiff Metis Nation Jig & Jam Variety Show was able to bring our people together to celebrate the creation penalty to show that abusing Indigenous rights is not of our beautiful province. In 1814 the HBC issued the Pemmican Proclamation to be taken lightly. which prohibited the export of pemmican from the As we all know 2020 is the 150th anniversary of the Red River Settlement. The Metis did not recognize I would also like to commend the conservation officer Metis joining Canada in Confederation and our Metis the HBC as having any authority over the Settlement for continuing to follow up with this man and making 150 committee has been finding innovative ways to and continued to trade pemmican outside of the sure that he did not get away with this false claim. celebrate throughout the past couple months despite Settlement. The HBC retaliated by stealing pemmican We need to protect our inherent Section 35 rights for COVID-19. I am very confident that the success of our from the Metis. which we fought so hard to get recognition. These Metis 150 celebrations is in the capable hands of the rights are collective and belong to the Manitoba MMF’s Metis 150 Committee. As you can imagine, this led to a very adversarial Metis. Individuals cannot hijack these for personal relationship. In 1816, Metis leader Cuthbert Grant Jr. gain. The Jig & Jam Variety Show is one such success, and his men encountered a group - a militia - led by which took place on June 21 as a part of the MMF’s Governor Semple and an altercation broke out. The We can learn a lot from our history. As the President celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day. reports made at the time show that Semple’s party of the MMF I was asked over this past week to The intention of this day is to give all Canadians shot first. The Metis quickly responded. This battle comment on the petition calling for Wolseley’s an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous heritage, not only marks a major victory for our Ancestors, name to be removed from street signs, schools, diversity, and achievements. but it is also widely considered the birth of the Metis and neighbourhoods. We discussed this at our Nation. Cabinet meetings and came to a consensus that we The Jig & Jam was an eight-hour livestream that did not want Wolseley’s name removed from any included one hour featured on CTV. We showcased Celebrating the Victory at Frog Plain allows us to monuments or signs. world-class Metis entertainment, including tell the true story of what transpired two centuries jiggers, fiddlers, and musicians, as well as beading, ago. For 200 years the skirmish was wrongly blamed Rather than erasing the colonial history of Canada blacksmithing, and woodworking workshops. Thank on the Metis and described as a massacre. In and risk forgetting about it, we want these you to all the artists that contributed, and we truly 2016, during the 200th anniversary, the park was monuments to stand the test of time and give us the appreciated our special guest Johnny Reid joining us redeveloped, and the true story was finally told: the opportunity to tell our story. For generations we have in celebrating the role that Indigenous people have in Metis did not fire the first shot and we were not the been denied the ability to tell our story, just like the our great country. villains of the story. Victory at Frog Plain. But now we have a voice. Now is the time for schools across the nation to teach the The Metis Nation has no shortage of achievements The Victory at Frog Plain also helped give us a story of Wolseley’s Reign of Terror and the turmoil worth celebrating. The Metis shaped the North-West reputation as a Nation that is not afraid to fight for he brought to our Settlement. However, if Wolseley’s with our various inventions and contributions to the our rights. This spirit lives on in the Metis today as name gets removed from signs and schools he will Indigenous landscape. After all, it is the Metis that we continue to further the rights of our Nation. One slowly fade from our memory, and so will the voices invented the Red River Cart and York Boat, changing of the major fights that we face today is with the of our Ancestors who sacrificed so much. These the background of the fur trade and how our misuse of Metis identity in Canada. names on signs, monuments, and schools offer Ancestors navigated our Homeland. unsurpassed educational teaching moments. I believe that we are in a pivotal moment in history The Red River Cart allowed for easier travel across when it comes to protecting our Nation. We face Speaking of education, over the past few months, the plains of North America. Traders and travellers threats from fake Metis across Canada in places like the MMF has been working diligently to plan were no longer stuck travelling along the waterways eastern Ontario, Quebec, and even in the Homeland. numerous graduation ceremonies in every Region across Manitoba. These ceremonies are meant to province. They are the future of our Nation and I look health experts are warning of a second wave of the give our Metis university and college graduates an forward to reporting back on details of this success virus to come in a few months. We need to remain opportunity to still walk across the stage in front story. mindful of this potential threat and continue to of their loved ones and celebrate with fellow Metis diligently adhere to pandemic protocols in order to classmates despite pandemic protocols. Please, continue to keep those affected by COVID-19 keep those around us safe. in your prayers. Though the cases in Manitoba are It is no small accomplishment to complete your post- among the lowest in Canada, there are still many Meeqwetch, secondary studies and we wish these graduates well people suffering across the country and the world. as they are enjoying their celebrations across the Manitobans are not out of the woods yet, as many President David Chartrand, LL.D. (hon), O.M. MMF marks 204th anniversary of the Victory at Frog Plain A monument stands at Main Street and Rupertsland waiting on Lake Winnipeg. Semple attempted to went into battle as a people, and it was the first Boulevard in Winnipeg, marking the approximate use his power to detain Grant and his men as well time we won in battle as a people. It was a decisive location where, 204 years ago, the Metis Nation as confiscate their supplies. At this pivotal moment victory.” defended itself and triumphed at the Victory at Frog in history, Grant decided to stand up for the people Plain. Each year on June 19, the anniversary of the of the new Metis Nation living at Red River against The commemoration ceremony included a free Victory at Frog Plain, the Manitoba Metis Federation colonial oppression. community barbeque at the Seven Oaks House (MMF) invites Metis Citizens to gather at the Museum, where attendees were greeted by monument to pay tribute to this important moment For many years, the battle was called “the Massacre interpreters in historical clothing. Seven Oaks House in the Metis Nation’s history. of Seven Oaks,” then later the name was changed is the oldest home in Winnipeg and one of the oldest to the “Battle of Seven Oaks.” The Metis people of remaining residences in Manitoba. Built between “Every day is a chance to celebrate our Metis that time called it the Victory of the Frog Plain or la 1851 and 1853, it still stands proudly on its original victories, but June 19 is a day to honour the Metis Victoire de la Grenouillère. foundation. Nation’s first leaders and pioneers who sacrificed so much for the best future possible for our Nation,” This historic battle was a significant victory for the The Norman Chief Memorial Dancers performed at said MMF President David Chartrand. “They stood Metis as Grant declared la nouvelle nation, the new the event, with Metis musicians Jason Lepine and up for our future and it’s crucial we do our best to nation, and he flew the flag of the Metis Nation Lionel Desjarlais backing them up on fiddle and honour the brave souls.” for the first time. The flag was flown by Grant and guitar. Winston Wuttunee, a descendant of Cuthbert his men on route to Fort Douglas and continues to Grant, attended the ceremony and sang Chanson de On June 19, 1816, as a result of rising tensions represent Metis Nationhood over 200 years later. The la Grenouillère (“Song of Frog Plain”), written in 1818 between rival fur trade companies in the Red River Victory at Frog Plain helped to define the Metis as a just two years after the battle took place. Wuttunee area, a battle ensued where Metis leader Cuthbert strong, self-governing, and culturally distinct Nation. spent many years looking for the song, which retells Grant decidedly defeated Governor Robert Semple the history of the battle, and it was a treat for all in and the Hudson’s Bay Company men. Grant and “Nationhood is something that came out of this attendance at the ceremony to hear it and connect his men were confronted on their way to deliver battle,” said Will Goodon, MMF Minister of Housing with this important moment in the Metis Nation’s pemmican and much-needed supplies to men & Property Management. “This is the first time we history. MMF Cabinet responds to petition to rename Wolseley Avenue and schools The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) Cabinet met a British military general who brought troops to “We acknowledge the social and economic harm that on June 16 and 17 for the first time in person since invade Manitoba and trample the Metis provisional has been done to the Metis and other Indigenous the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following social government. Some Metis lost their lives as a result people at the hands of Wolseley and the troops distancing protocols, many Ministers attended in of this attack, and those who were lucky enough to under his command,” explained President Chartrand. person, while a few Ministers and staff attended escape were forced into hiding, scattered throughout virtually. Since the onset of pandemic protocols the North-West in the search for peace and security. He said, however, that “it is important that we keep across Canada, MMF Cabinet meetings took place these names around so that we can use them to weekly over the phone. President Chartrand compared this petition about educate the public on the suffering of our ancestors. Wolseley to the call to remove statues of Canada’s Using these historic figures, we can better tell our While Cabinet was meeting to discuss many matters first Prime Minister, John A. Macdonald. “If we just true story and ensure that colonial history does not affecting the Manitoba Metis Community, the topic allow them to disappear in history, that story will not repeat itself.” came up of a recent local petition titled “Wolseley be shared.” was a cop.” This petition aims to rename Wolseley “Seeing some names and remembering their Avenue, Wolseley School, and Lord Wolseley He added that the victors have been the ones writing histories will be at times difficult or uncomfortable,” Elementary School. the history books. “It’s the victims who never had a added President Chartrand. “These names provide a chance to tell their side,” he said. reminder of a history that cannot be forgotten, that MMF President David Chartrand noted that Garnet cannot be repeated, and that we must guard against. Joseph Wolseley is depicted as a great military leader The MMF Cabinet reached a consensus that We cannot allow colonial history to merely slink away in history books, but he was complicit in the Reign Wolseley’s name should not be removed from and escape judgment.” of Terror against the Metis people. Wolseley was buildings, streets, or neighbourhoods. LRCC’s Metis Emergency Business Loan Program provides COVID-19 relief The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) announced There is also the fear of a second wave, forcing December 31, 2022, and 25 per cent will be forgiven an $8.9-million Funding Agreement between MMF another closure, said McKay. “A number of if repaid by that date. After December 31, 2022, the affiliate Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC) and businesses are also somewhat seasonal and took a remaining balance will be converted to a three-year Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Part of this significant hit being closed over the first part of their loan at five per cent interest. agreement includes funding for the Metis Emergency busy season, and will require additional working Business Loan Program (MEBL), which provides capital to get them through until next spring.” Differences between the CEBA and the MEBL include financial support to small and medium Metis that the MEBL’s 25 per cent non-repayable portion businesses to service their immediate needs as a MMF President and Minister of Economic is forgiven up front, said McKay. In addition, the 75 result of COVID-19 impacts. Development David Chartrand said, “For many per cent repayable loan is interest-free for the entire entrepreneurs, these loans will accelerate their length of the loan, and the MEBL doesn’t include a The MEBL provides Metis entrepreneurs negatively economic recovery, post-COVID.” payroll requirement. affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with up to $40,000 in funding with 25 per cent as a non- The MEBL, which was launched earlier this month, And, said McKay, explaining that some smaller sole repayable contribution and the remaining 75 per cent is an enhanced Metis-specific version of the Canada proprietors run business expenses through their as an interest-free loan. Funds must be expended Emergency Business Account (CEBA) available personal accounts, “The CEBA requires you to have a before March 31, 2021, but ISC will be able to add through mainstream financial institutions. separate commercial bank account; the MEBL does more funding if this funding is expended by that not.” date. No payments will be required for 12 months “Canada has not forgotten the Metis Nation, and after the initial loan disbursement. The loan will help of course neither has the MMF,” said President The LRCC currently has 40 applications for the MEBL, cover non-deferrable operating expenses, such as Chartrand. “Your Manitoba Metis Government with 25 approvals to date totaling $1 million. taxes, rent, debt payments, utilities, and payroll. will continue to have your back during this time of crisis. If you have yet to apply for CEBA, or have Tyler McKay, Senior Manager of Operations for been rejected by the banks, please reach out to the the LRCC, said, “Things seem to be improving for LRCC immediately to learn more about the Metis businesses in general versus back in March when a Emergency Business Loan Program.” lot of businesses were forced to close. That being said, a lot of businesses are still struggling and there The CEBA, available through mainstream financial is a great deal of uncertainty going forward.” institutions, provides small businesses who have experienced COVID-19-related losses with loans of up to $40,000. The loans are interest-free until Metis Justice Institute enhances supports for Citizens released from correctional facilities During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Manitoba supports and resources for inclusion in Metis Citizen children witnessing violence,” said Minister Metis Federation’s Metis Justice Institute (MJI) has release plans, prior to release and post-release, Lagimodiere. The anger management program helps been stepping up its programs to help with the to ensure successful release and to reduce the participants discover ways to deal with and control reintegration of Metis Citizens being released early likelihood of reoffending,” she said. anger, including de-escalation techniques. from correctional facilities. The MJI can assist Metis Citizens with a variety of Following the lifting of restrictions, the MJI will also The Justice Support Program provides supports tasks, including making appointments, filling out provide access to supports for applying for funding to to make sure the reintegration process for Metis applications, finding accommodations, obtaining attend career-related training, or referrals to career Citizens released from incarceration is efficient and personal identifications, applying for social counsellors. effective, from basics such as income, clothing, and assistance, and referrals for hampers and essential housing, to developing job and life skills, and helping items. The Institute is developing a Metis Life Skills Program, them access programming and resources. which includes a Metis cultural component and helps Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals successfully reintegrate into society, said The Justice Support Program helps the process on Manitoba, the MJI provided both programming and Minister Lagimodiere. The programming focuses both sides: by assisting both staff at correctional resources for Metis Citizens to overcome some of the on time and money management, employment, facilities to develop supports and identify resources underlying contributing factors of crime, including health and wellness, conflict resolution, housing, and for Metis Citizens, and by assisting incarcerated anger management, domestic violence, addiction transportation. Metis Citizens before and after release to reduce the and substance use, mental health issues, and more. likelihood of reoffending. These supports will continue following the lifting of If you are a Metis Citizen who has recently been COVID-19 restrictions. released from a correctional facility, or for more The goal is for individuals to become employment information on the MJI’s Justice Support Program, or education ready, said Minister of Justice Julyda The domestic violence program provides participants please call the Institute directly at 204-949-9557. Lagimodiere. Immediate support, for example, could with tools and resources to understand defence involve the MJI assisting case managers from the mechanisms and anger, and “learn about alternatives correctional facilities “to help develop and identify to violence, coping strategies, and impacts on Metis Jig & Jam Variety Show celebrates Metis entertainment and culture The Metis Nation celebrated National Indigenous Alongside the St. Germain family, Metis music Xavier to discuss the impact of Metis leader Cuthbert Peoples Day on Sunday, June 21st with the Metis legends Brandi Vezina, Patti Kusturok, Michael Grant Jr. and the Victory at Frog Plain. Jig & Jam Variety Show, an eight-hour livestream Audette, the Dutiaume Family Band, Johnny Dietrich, featuring the best in Metis entertainment. Gary Lepine and more showcased the Metis Nation’s Armand Jerome, a Red River cart maker, walked incredible musical talents as featured performers, audiences through the process of creating the Dozens of Metis musicians, jiggers, artists, playing everything from traditional fiddle to country Metis Nation’s most iconic forms of transportation. comedians, historians, Elders and traditional folk and classic rock. Jennine Krauchi described the process of traditional knowledge-keepers shared their unique talents Metis beadwork. At Lower Fort Garry, Barney Morin and skills with thousands of Citizens who tuned in A variety of hosts took turns throughout the day detailed the importance of the York Boat. Harvey on the MMF website, the MNC website and the to move the show along, including MMF Ministers Pelletier, Elder DeMontigny and Barb Fleury filmed MMF YouTube page. The MMF was thrilled to have Andrew Carrier, Will Goodon and Mona Buors, CTV a demonstration on making bannock in Michif and world-class country music star Johnny Reid make an Morning Live anchor Rachel Lagacé, comedian Cara English. Bobby Church shared a lesson on trapping appearance as a special guest with a pre-recorded Lytwyn, Brielle Beaudin-Reimer and Jessica Keena. and the Metis fur trade, showcasing some of his best performance from his home in Nashville, Tennessee. pelts. In addition, an hour-long highlight reel aired on CTV The stream was split between live performances Winnipeg from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. hosted by Lagacé A special children’s hour featured a jigging lesson for at the Park Theatre in Winnipeg and pre-recorded and Minister Goodon, who is also Chair of the MMF’s Winnipeg Jets mascot Mick E. Moose, a comedy set segments filmed at a variety of locations significant Metis 150 committee. Elder Verna DeMontigny began from Lytwyn, and a magic show by Big Daddy Magic. to the Metis Nation across Manitoba. the hour with a prayer in both Michif and English. The Jig & Jam even featured a full-length play: “The Following Metis tradition, Elder Linda St. Cyr-Saric Among the musical performances, a number of Life of Louis Riel,” a collaborative effort by the MMF opened and closed the show with a special prayer, Metis Elders and historians shared their wisdom to tell the life story of Louis Riel from childhood to honouring the father of Manitoba Louis Riel and of traditional Metis practices and key moments the statesman he became, highlighting his life to blessing the celebrations to come. in the Metis Nation’s history. Elder St. Cyr-Saric showcase the leader and father of Manitoba. spoke on the history of the St. Norbert settlement, Then, the show began with a rousing performance by George Lavallee talked about the St. Ambroise Finally, after a full eight hours, Minister Goodon one of the Metis Nation’s most legendary musicians: community, and Russell Sanderson explained the took to the stage to deliver closing remarks on multiple award-winning country artist Ray St. prominence of Manitoba House. MMF Minister behalf of MMF President David Chartrand, who was Germain, joined by his daughter and fellow world- of Metis Employment & Training John Fleury celebrating Father’s Day with his family at home. renowned singer/songwriter Sherry St. Germain. hosted a segment talking about the Ste. Madeleine community. Minister Goodon visited St. François “We’d like to thank President Chartrand, who has been our President for over 20 years,” said Minister Goodon. “He has brought us from a place where we were literally in receivership to a point now where we are the shining beacon for Indigenous government across the country. His leadership is second to none.”

Before Elder St. Cyr-Saric’s closing prayer, Minister Goodon thanked organizers Georgina Liberty and Al Desjarlais, the videography and streaming team from Kizuk Productions, and all 150-plus people who were involved with the show.

“[They] worked for 38 days straight to make this production everything that it could be,” said Minister Goodon. “This show could’ve been a year long in the making, and they did it in 38 days. That’s absolutely amazing.”

The full eight-hour livestream is still available to watch on the MMF and MNC websites and the official MMF YouTube page.