in honour of Louis Riel, it also embraced the population in the new Province of Manitoba strength and perseverance of our people. I can as well as of the Metis population in the entire say with confidence, he would have been proud. Northwest. Red River is where the Metis Nation was conceived, where our flag was first unfurled Speaking of that emotion, I was justifiably proud in the Battle of Seven Oaks in 1816, and where to attend our gala alongside the Most Reverend Riel’s Metis Provisional Government was Bishop Richard Gagnon. I also took the time established in 1869 to negotiate our admission to attend a special church service at the iconic into . As successor to Riel’s provisional Notre-Dame Cathedral-Basilica in . government in Red River, the MMF has the During that service, significant time was devoted historical duty to ensure that the integrity of to highlighting the accomplishments of Riel. our Nation is not compromised. You need to know that I will not allow it to happen under my During this time in Ottawa, your Manitoba Metis watch. Government continued its important work on behalf of our Citizens. One of the most pressing Of course, that wasn’t the only topic we topics was the continued efforts of three covered. I want to commend and thank As I write this, I am coming off one of the most provincial bodies seeking to undermine and my Cabinet for their continued devotion to joyful experiences in the history of the Metis even threaten the work we have done up to this bettering the lives our citizens. In particular, Nation. For three incredible days, our culture, point in time. I want to commend Education Minister Joan language, food, music, and most importantly our Ledoux and her department staff for continuing story were on full display in our nation’s capital. Recently, the presidents of the Métis Nation of to develop our newly announced $500,000 (MNO), Metis Nation – Saskatchewan Post-Secondary Education Support Program. I For the first time in its history, the (MNS), and Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) have been advised that more than one thousand Festival in Ottawa fully partnered with an issued a press release following a “tri-council” Metis students have applied to this initiative. Indigenous group to showcase its people and meeting of the three governing members. culture. This year’s Winterlude also marked the The tri-council presidents signed documents Special mention also goes out our Housing beginning of a year of celebrating Manitoba 150, asserting the sole authority of Governing Department and Minister Will Goodon. In the Louis Riel, and the Metis Nation. To that, you Members, not the Métis National Council next few weeks they will be announcing details need to understand why we chose to kick off our (MNC), to conduct self-government negotiations of a new home repair program. I am very proud celebrations this year in the nation’s capital. with Canada and to deliver programs and of this initiative as it will greatly enhance the services to Metis Nation citizens. housing services we already have in place. One hundred fifty years ago, Louis Riel led a provisional government from the Northwest As National Spokesperson of MNC and as your With that, I want to circle back to Ottawa and to Ottawa and with it, brought Manitoba into President, I believe I am in a unique position thank Canadian Heritage for giving us the Confederation. What began with a list of rights to address these matters and set the record opportunity, finally, to tell our story to a national became the Manitoba Act of 1870, and with straight for an honest assessment of where the audience, from a Metis perspective. I encourage that, the establishment of Manitoba as the fifth Metis Nation stands today. You can read in detail all of you to take the time to see the photos and province in Canada. my sentiments on the MNC and MMF websites. stories from this festival, not only in this issue of Le Metis, but on our social media channels as A little-known fact about that time is that our To summarize, the real issue is the failure of well. Leader had a bounty on his head for $5,000, and the MNO to comply with the Metis Nation’s he was wanted dead or alive. Think about this, citizenship rules, embodied in the National In closing, I offer my best wishes and prayers as the journey from the Northwest to Ottawa Definition, and the failure of the three for peace to those who are sick, shut in, or in was anything but easy 150 years ago. presidents to fulfill their fiduciary duties as failing health. My deepest sympathies are with members of the MNC Board of Governors all of you who are coping with grief or a recent Despite those formidable odds, Riel made his to enforce the bylaws and resolutions of the loss. May you find comfort, strength, and help way to Ottawa and snuck into parliament to sign General Assembly. The importance of our through your community and your family and the test roll, marking his place in parliament. It National Definition and citizenship rules cannot friends. I wish you all the best. verified his seat of Provencher, in which he was be overstated. elected three times to represent the people of Meeqwetch. that corner of Canada. That historic document The MMF waged a 32-year court battle to secure was displayed at our Metis Nation Gala as part the land rights guaranteed by the Manitoba Act, of our Winterlude celebrations. That night was 1870 to the Metis of the Red River Settlement not only a celebration by the Metis Nation who at that time were the vast majority of the President David Chartrand, LL.D. (hon), O.M. Manitoba 150 – Metis Nation 2020 Centre Stage at Winterlude The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary Highlights of the Metis Nation events at Children’s ice picking contest of the Metis Nation joining the Canadian Winterlude Festival: federation through the establishment of the A total of 60 pieces of Metis-themed Province of Manitoba as Canada’s fifth province Louis Riel (Founder of Manitoba) ice merchandise provided by MMF and MMC are through the efforts of President Louis Riel and sculpture unveil hidden inside a large cube of ice. Children are his Metis Provisional Government. encouraged to pick through the ice until they On Friday, January 31, a sculpture of Louis find a treasure. The event starts January 31 Riel was unveiled at the corner of Sparks Louis Riel, the first premier of Manitoba and and runs until all items are found, or the end of and O’Connor Street. This is the first time in Winterlude, whichever comes first. one of Canada’s founding fathers, was a strong 41 years of Winterlude that the ice carvers defender of minority rights who fought to have partnered with an Indigenous people. A Life of Louis Riel – play preserve Metis rights and culture. Elected commemorative plaque is beside the statue three times as a Member of Parliament but with plenty of space for pictures to be taken. On Saturday, February 1, two performances of unable to take his seat, Riel would lead the The sculptors working on the Louis Riel carving the play, The Life of Louis Riel, were presented Metis and negotiate the entry of Manitoba are from France and Poland and form one of the at the Canadian Museum of History Theatre into Confederation through the Manitoba Act, best ice carving duos. in Gatineau, Quebec. This play introduces 1870. This important part of Canadian history is the Metis leader who brought Manitoba into worthy of recognition and cause for celebration. Winterlude kick-off party on Sparks Street Confederation in 1870. The Life of Louis Riel captures the humanity of one of the Fathers Winterlude celebrations got their official launch This past weekend, the Métis National Council of Confederation by sharing his story, that of a on Friday, January 31, on Sparks Street. The (MNC) and Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) young boy growing up in a history of nationalism Winterlude kick-off party featured live music and were very excited to partner with Canadian who became the celebrated leader of the Metis performances including a special performance Heritage to ensure that the Metis Nation was Nation and of all Manitobans. This event is by 13-year-old Metis fiddler, Morgan Ginther, highlighted in many of the Winterlude festivities presented by the MNC and MMF in partnership from East Selkirk, Manitoba. to celebrate this milestone year. with the Canadian Museum of History and with the participation of the . Metis Nation Gala – Manitoba 150 Red River Metis Village Metis interpreters were happy to share their knowledge with those wishing to learn more On Saturday, February 1, the Metis Nation On Sunday, February 2, a Red River Metis Village about the Metis Nation. World-renowned Metis held its Gala at the National Gallery of Canada, was showcased at the Great Hall of the Museum Master Beader Jeanine Krauchi demonstrated celebrating the 150th anniversary of Manitoba’s of History. Visitors enjoyed the beautiful culture the intricate art of beadwork and shared the entry into Confederation in 1870. The Metis of the Metis people from Red River and had lessons she has learned over the years. There Nation shared its rich history and culture, with opportunities to hear stories from Metis Elders were plenty of Manitoba-made products on greeters in traditional Metis clothing in the front and a chance to listen and learn Michif, the hand, such as Metis jewelry, art, preserves, foyer, and a Red River Metis-inspired dinner language of the Metis people. They enjoyed clothing, and books. The Children’s Booth served at the Scotiabank Great Hall. Joining a cup of tea and some bannock and were gave children the chance to be fully engaged the event were Federal Ministers Marc Miller, entertained by some of the best Metis musicians and entertained with songs and crafts as they Carolyn Bennett, and Dan Vandal, ITK President and dancers. learned about Metis culture and history. Natan Obed, foreign embassy representatives, and others. MMF Southwest Region hosts Metis Pavilion at Westman Multicultural Festival The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) has been The event was emceed by the well-known Metis Check out the MMF website and social media involved in the Westman Multicultural Festival musician Johnny Dietrich, who introduced all of channels for more Metis events coming up in Brandon, MB, since its early days, putting the talented musicians and dancers who took throughout 2020. a spotlight on Metis culture, music, food, and the stage to entertain the crowd. dance. This year was no different, with more than 1,000 visitors passing through the Metis Metis music drifted through the pavilion all pavilion at the Western Manitoba Centennial weekend, with performances by The Campbell Auditorium from January 23 – 25. Band, Jason Lepine, Nite Life, Melissa St. Goddard, Tequila Creek, and many more. It was MMF Southwest Vice-President Leah LaPlante a packed house Saturday evening for the Fiddle organized the festivities with the help of her Fest. staff and many volunteers. Several Metis dance groups also performed, A cultural display was set up with information including the St. Ambroise Metis Steppers, on Michif, the traditional language of the Wheat City Metis Steppers, D-Town Steppers, Metis Nation, and an assortment of Metis art, Metis Club Traditional Dancers, and Ivan Flett historical information, and crafts. Volunteers Memorial Dancers. were on hand to answer questions from attendees, which was a great opportunity to Attendees of all ages also got a chance to get up educate others about the culture of the Metis and dance the two-step, heel-toe and more. Nation. This year’s Metis pavilion was a great success, The pavilion served a variety of Metis-inspired and the MMF Southwest Region looks forward food, including bison stew, bison burgers, elk to bringing it back once again next year. and bison smokies, bannock, and rice pudding. Volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare the food The year 2020 is shaping up to be an incredible and serve it over the weekend. year of Metis celebrations, as the MMF commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Metis Nation creating the province of Manitoba.

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