President’s Message

These are just two accomplishments that I have been During the ceremonies of the AGA, I was deeply privileged to be a part of. honoured by a presentation from the Métis Government recognizing my 20 years of leadership. I At our recent Annual General Assembly, I was pleased am humbled to be your President. I am proud of who to share with Métis Citizens news about agreements we are, where we have come from and where we are my Cabinet and I have been able to negotiate and going. The Métis of is at a key crossroads. secure. During the Awakening the Spirit Concert On our horizon lie great opportunities and we need to on Friday, September 22, the Honourable Carolyn implement measures to protect our future. We cannot Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and afford a misstep now. Northern Affairs, announced support by the federal government for the building of the Métis National Métis Citizens understand the importance of Heritage Centre. This first ever Métis cultural and protecting what we have fought so hard for. In a I am extremely proud of the achievements of the historic institute will be built at Upper Fort Garry resolution passed at the Assembly, Métis voted Manitoba Métis Government over the past fifty where Riel’s Métis Provisional Government founded overwhelmingly to protect the leadership and efforts years. Since becoming President in 1997, I have been the Province of Manitoba and negotiated its entrance of those who have committed their lives to the Métis privileged to be at the helm of the Métis Government into Confederation with Canada. Nation. During a resolution passed, those wishing to for many key moments and decisions impacting the run for President of the Manitoba Métis Government On Saturday, September 23 I announced phase one Métis Nation. must prove themselves to the Métis Citizens by first of our ambitious healthcare initiatives. Beginning fulfilling leadership at the Local level and then at the November 16, the Manitoba Metis Federation will In 1997, I promised to take the Manitoba Métis Land Regional level. After serving terms at both levels, only begin paying the medication prescription costs for Claim all the way to the Supreme Court if needs be. then will a person be eligible to run for President. lower income seniors aged 65 years and older. Yes, we did have to go that far. It cost us millions to We must protect how far we have come and we fight that battle. With the historic decision by the Other announcements included an agreement with must ensure that those who wish to lead the Métis Supreme Court in 2013 when it said the honour of the Enbridge that will bring economic development Government have first of all earned that right. Crown was not kept, and the constitutional promise opportunity and jobs to Métis Citizens while engaging to our Children was broken and our inheritance was Friends, we are in a good position. I am proud of the the Métis in ensuring and protecting the environmental robbed, we became positioned to negotiate the work we have done together and at how far we have safety of projects and initiatives undertaken by reconciliation of that broken promise. come. Stand strong. The best is yet to come. Enbridge in the Heart of the Métis Nation Homeland. In 2015, I worked with the new government led by In closing, I want to send my thoughts and prayers During the AGA, the Métis Citizens also expressed Prime Minister Trudeau, to negotiate a framework to those who are sick and shut in. I hope you recover their views and passed a resolution on Night Hunting agreement that will lead to a renewed government- quickly. As the Summer concludes and the Fall begins, and Night Lighting. Under the two resolutions passed, to-government, nation-to-nation relationship with I hope you have success in your harvesting. To those Métis Citizens decided that they would not permit Canada. This framework agreement will also lead returning to school, I hope you have a very successful night hunting in agro-Manitoba, but the practice to recognition and constitutional protection of the term. Thank you for you continued support and would continue in remote areas of central and Manitoba Métis Government. confidence. northern Manitoba. Métis Citizens also banned the practice of spotlighting in the province. Meeqwetch,

President David Chartrand, LL.D. (hon), O.M.

AGA Celebrates 50 Years of Métis Governance and 20 years of Strong Leadership The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) hosted its Annual General Assembly (AGA) at Assiniboia Downs in from Friday Sept. 22 to Sunday 24, 2017. The AGA celebrated 50 years of Métis governance and 20 years of the strong leadership by President David Chartrand. This year the MMF, as Manitoba’s Métis Government, welcomed over 3,000 delegates from across Manitoba who gathered to celebrate Métis culture and progress made over the past year. On Friday, Métis lawyer Jason Madden provided an update on the MMF Reconciliation discussions and RCMP Deputy Commissioner, Contract and Aboriginal Policing, Kevin Brosseau and President Chartrand signed a memorandum of the progress of the self-government development understanding for the return of Louis Riel artifacts to the MMF. negotiations with Canada. When the MMF is a self-government it will be able to build upon the Minister of Indigenous & Northern Affairs for toward Métis research and student support strong nation-to-nation government-to-government the Province of Manitoba; Hon. Rochelle Squires, enhancements. An agreement was also signed relationship with Canada ensuring that programs and Minister of Sustainable Development for the with Enbridge for conservation and economic services are provided. Province of Manitoba; Mr. , Leader of development opportunities in the Heart of the Métis Infinity Women Secretariat (IWS) also celebrated their New Democratic Party for the Province of Manitoba; Nation Homeland. 5th Annual General Assembly on Friday. During this Mr. Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament; Chief Danny Delegates at the AGA voted to ban spotlighting time, elections took place for the IWS Spokeswoman Smyth from the Winnipeg Police Service; Mr. Harvey however night hunting will still be allowed in remote and Board of Directors as well as representatives on Secter from the MMF Land Claims Trust Committee; and northern areas of Manitoba. They also voted local advisory committees. Minister Anita Campbell Minister Anita Campbell, Spokeswoman for Infinity on a resolution toward establishing harvesting was re-elected IWS Spokeswoman by acclamation Women Secretariat; and President Muriel Parker of laws concerning night-lighting and night hunting. and noted that this would be her final term. A new the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres. Prior to the AGA, hundreds of Métis Citizens, online entrepreneurship course will also be offered Several ceremonies took place on September 23, including harvesters, have voiced their opinion on by IWS in the near future. This tool will provide including a MOU and Presentation to the Metis these matters through discussions at consultation information to Métis women about running a Nation from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. meetings throughout the province. business. RCMP Deputy Commissioner, Contract and In conjunction with the AGA, Metis Employment After the Friday AGA events, the MMF hosted a Aboriginal Policing, Kevin Brosseau and President and Training (MET) hosted their annual Youth cultural concert at Pantages Playhouse called the Chartrand signed a memorandum of understanding Conference Sept. 22-24, at the Assiniboia Downs. Spirit Awakened. The concert included performances for the return of Louis Riel artifacts to the MMF The theme for the conference this year was Youth from musicians such as Donny Parenteau, Errol Raville including a crucifix, book of poetry and a hunting Leadership-Preparing for Tomorrow. It focused on C-Weed, Clint & Riley Dutiaume, Darren Lavallee, knife owned by Riel. These artifacts will be housed at engaging Métis youth to become more involved with Patti Kusturok, Tayler Fleming, Cal Richard, Gerry Métis National Heritage Centre when construction is the MMF government and Youth Council. Youth also McIvor, Holly Vee and Family, Robert Ducharme – complete. learned of programs available to them in Manitoba. Canadian King Trapper, and Tom Dutiaume Band The MMF and Health Canada announced a as the house band. Ray St. Germain and Oliver New activities for Youth at this year’s AGA included a statement on joint health commitment for improved Boulette emceed the event. The Honourable Carolyn Snapchat scavenger hunt and a beadwork workshop. health services in the Manitoba Métis Community. Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations For the scavenger hunt, youth were assigned a list The commitment will explore new opportunities in and Northern Affairs, also attended the concert and with types of photos to take while they attended the health services and promotion with the objective announced with President Chartrand that a Metis AGA. This included taking a photo with an Elder, a of supporting a healthy, secure and prosperous museum will begin construction next year. It will Minister, or certain area of the AGA. Once the youth Manitoba Métis Community. Most recently, the be called the Métis National Heritage Centre and completed their list, they submitted their photos for a Manitoba Metis Federation has put forward a located at Upper Fort Garry. chance to win a prize. Youth also had the opportunity program model to respond to the needs of its most to learn how to bead, as well as the history and Saturday’s activities included the AGA Opening vulnerable senior citizens living at or below the importance beadwork has in Métis culture. Ceremonies followed by Dignitary Greetings and poverty line with supplemental health benefits that the State of the Métis Nation in Manitoba Address. aim to strategically complement health services For more coverage and information of this year’s Dignitaries who attended the AGA include President available to Métis people. AGA, please visit our Facebook page, Manitoba Clément Chartier of the Metis National Council; Metis Federation (Official) or www.mmf.mb.ca. The MMF signed a ten-year agreement with the Hon. Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources for University of Winnipeg adding $60,000 annually the Government of Canada; Hon. Eileen Clarke, Infinity Women Secretariat Celebrates Partner with the 5th Annual General Assembly On September 22, a congregation of over 200 Métis Manitoba Metis women delegates gathered at the Assiniboia Downs to celebrate the 5th Infinity Women Secretariat Heritage Fund (IWS) AGA. There was a special surprise appearance from the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of at the next annual gala Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, who opened the evening with a greeting. She noted how far Infinity Women has come in just 5 years. The Honourable Eileen Clarke, Minister of Indigenous and May 12, 2018 Northern Relations for the province of Manitoba also stopped by and provided words of encouragement to Manitoba Metis the delegates in attendance. Heritage Fund During the IWS AGA, elections took place for new board members including the IWS Spokeswoman and representatives on local advisory committees. For more information visit: The newly elected Board of Directors for the following regions are: Adrienne Carriere-Winnipeg; Bev www.mmf.mb.ca/mmhf_rfp_doc.pdf Webb-Interlake; Lori Bulycz-The Pas; Muriel Parker- Northwest; Brandi Vezina-Southeast; Joan Church- Southwest; and Dee Chaboyer-Thompson. Newly elected Local Advisory Council representatives for the following regions are: Melissa Morriseau- Prescription Drug Program - Metis Health Benefits Winnipeg; Shauna Hobden-Interlake; Brenda Hather- The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) launches its first program under Metis Health Benefits. The Pas; Stella Bramley-Northwest; Angie Jonski- The Prescription Drug Program is set to take effect November 16, 2017. The Program will pay your Southeast; Barb Desjarlais-Southwest; and Deanna deductible for Pharmacare-eligible prescription drugs throughout the year until your maximum Pharmacare coverage level has been reached. Bonnefoy-Thompson. Minister Anita Campbell was re-elected Spokeswoman of IWS by acclamation. Application forms and information will be available in the coming weeks at the MMF Regional She mentioned in her speech that this would be her Offices, MMF Health & Wellness Department, and online at www.mmf.mb.ca. last term and she’s looking for more young Métis Certain information will need to be provided to confirm eligibility. women to become involved. Who is eligible? Do I have to provide a new Notice of A new and exciting tool will be introduced this year. • Metis Citizens who have their MMF Assessment Form each year? An online entrepreneurial portal offered by Infinity Citizenship Card. • Yes. Your annual income assessment will be required annually to prove your Women to inspire more Métis women to become • Are age 65 and older who have an annual income of $25,000 or less, and eligibility for the Prescription Drug entrepreneurs. Adam Blanchard, MMF Director of Program. Information Technology, offered a demo of the new • Use MEDOCare Pharmacy for their platform that will be available for Métis women to prescription dispensing and delivery. How do I get my Pharmacare Deductible Assessment? learn everything about running a business. What if I don’t have my new citizenship card? • If you do not have your Pharmacare There were also two powerful presentations by Métis • Seniors who meet all other eligibility Deductible Assessment call the Manitoba criteria for the Prescription Drug Program women entrepreneurs who described the process Pharmacare office at 1-800-297-8099. will be placed on a priority list to recieve of working with Infinity Women, LRCC and MEDF their new MMF Citizenship card. What happens once my application is to get their business off the ground. Laura Mulvena submitted? owns a Freshii franchise in Sage Creek, Winnipeg. What if I don’t have my Canada Revenue • Health & Wellness Department staff Notice of Assessment Form? Laura talked about the process she had to go through will confirm your acceptance into the • If you do not have your Canada Revenue in order to get her business off the ground. Deena Prescription Drug Program Notice of Assessment Form call the Canada Caplette took time out of her busy schedule to talk • With your permission, the MEDOCare Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281. Pharmacy staff will contact you directly about her business, Kid City. She announced that on • Once you have obtained your Notice to welcome you to the pharmacy and top of the two locations already opened in Winnipeg, of Assessment Form, Regional staff attain any additional personal/medical she was opening a third location in Portage La Prairie can assist you in preparing the proper information necessary to fill and deliver the very next day. documentation to be eligible for the your prescriptions. Prescription Drug Program. Visit www.infinitywomen.org for more information about IWS and the business advisory and support services they offer to Métis women. Scenes from the Manitoba Metis Federation’s Annual General Assembly 50 Years of Governance & 20 Years of Leadership | September 22-24, 2017 | Assiniboia Downs, Winnipeg Thank You to our Major Sponsors Diamond Sponsors

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Find the latest news online The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is the official democratic and self-governing political ManitobaMetisFederationOfficial representative for the Métis Nation’s Manitoba Métis Community. The Manitoba Métis are Canada’s @MBMetis_MMF Negotiating Partner in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba. Manitoba Metis Federation ManitobaMetisMMF 3rd Floor - 150 Henry Avenue Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis. Winnipeg, MB R3B 0J7 Telephone: (204) 586-8474 www.mmf.mb.ca