the critical work of strengthening our resolve benefit of present and future generations. Now, to defend the integrity of our Nation and our the unwillingness of these people to honour Citizenship. the democratic decisions of the Metis Nation is putting at risk all these hard-fought gains. But despite those best efforts, there are those who choose to undermine all the work that These developments do not come as a huge has brought us to what should be a celebratory surprise. This kind of pressure on the Metis year, a year that should be filled not only with Nation by non-Metis people from Eastern celebration, but also with a unified Metis Nation was foreseen by the man whose legacy voice. we are celebrating this year, Louis Riel. He feared that this kind of invasion would lead The Presidents of , Alberta, and to the loss of our lands and resources and Saskatchewan recently signed a document and deny us our rights. There was an invasion after issued a press release that undermines the 1870 and another after 1885. Now, with the integrity of the Metis Nation. The document actions of Ontario, we are confronted by the We are now well into 2020. The celebration they signed was not a Métis National Council prospect of a third invasion, made all the more of the 150th anniversary of the Provisional resolution. Nor was this document endorsed dangerous by the fact that these new invaders, Government of Assiniboia is now in full swing. by the Assemblies of the Métis Nation – self-styled “Metis” groups, are springing up all Much of the coming year will be devoted to Saskatchewan (MN-S) or Métis Nation of Alberta over Ontario, Québec, and Atlantic Canada. They properly marking this monumental time in (MNA). have no connection historically, culturally, or Canadian history. However, I also truly hope you politically with the Metis Nation. had some time to focus on those closest to you In a statement, they call for more transparency during the holiday season. and accountability from the Metis National Will I stand by as your President and let this Council, and that any self-government and happen? Absolutely not. As I mentioned to all I too have taken some time to be with my family rights-related discussions and negotiations must of you at the Annual General Assembly back in and loved ones. I’ve always described myself as occur between Canada and their Governments, September, I will not watch the MNO create this a workaholic, and often need to be reminded to not through the MNC. dangerous precedent and open the doors to take a break. hundreds of thousands of individuals who could Make no mistake, the real issue here is Ontario attempt to steal Metis Nation citizenship. I’m grateful for the time to recharge, but this Citizenship. This is about the failure of Ontario January has also been a time to take stock of the to comply with the Métis National Definition With that in mind, be assured we will still move year ahead and to acknowledge how critical it and the failure of MN-S and MNA Presidents ahead and do everything we can to celebrate is for us to properly celebrate the Father of this to comply with their executive responsibilities. Louis Riel and the 150th Anniversary of the Province, the great Louis Riel, and to remind all Instead, they have chosen to attack the very Provisional Government in the year ahead. Manitobans of the personal sacrifices he made definition and identity of the Metis Nation to bring Manitoba into Confederation 150 years and endangered its integrity and its future. To And while we look forward to a year of ago. think that this is taking place in 2020 is both celebration, we must never forget our past, heartbreaking and maddening. Today, after nor those who once walked beside us and now We embarked on this mission late last year. I many hard-won battles in the field, in the watch over us. Our departed grandparents, tasked my staff with creating a campaign that courts, and in the political forums, these three parents, siblings and cousins will always be stood out and paid proper respect to the Metis Presidents are now undermining the strength dearly remembered in our hearts. It is in their contribution to this province. and democracy of the Nation. memory that we continue the journey toward our lasting place in Canadian Confederation. I Today, I am so proud to drive through the city of The actions of these three individuals amount pray and share my heartfelt condolences for all Winnipeg, or to board a plane at the Richardson to cultural appropriation. To put it into even those who have lost loved ones. I also offer my International Airport, and see colourful, full- simpler terms, this is nothing short of Metis best wishes for those who are sick or shut in. sized billboards welcoming people to the Metis identity theft. This group is putting at risk the Homeland. I ask you to take the time to think birthright of generations of our children. They about the significance of this message and the are willing to sacrifice our People’s future… and Meeqwetch thousands of pairs of eyes that will read it. for what, I ask?

As we begin celebrations of the 150th During the last several years, the Metis Nation anniversary of the Metis Nation bringing our has been very successful in bringing new Homeland into Confederation, we continue investments into the Metis Nation for the President David Chartrand, LL.D. (hon), O.M. Louis Riel: Front and Centre at ’s Festival Winterlude, the flagship event of the winter Given the significance of his place in Canadian “The pair of carvers who will work on the tourist season in Ottawa, is partnering with the history, and that 2020 marks the 150th project are Samuel Girault from France and Metis Nation this year when it comes to its ice anniversary of the Provisional Government of Michal Mizula from Poland,” said Kanbayashi. carving display. Assiniboia led by Louis Riel, the Canadian Ice “They are one of the best ice carving duos in the Carvers’ Society is not taking the opportunity world, especially when it comes to replicating The founder of Manitoba will be featured in a lightly. human figures.” finished piece for the Winterlude International Ice Carving Challenge. A sculpture of Louis Riel Weather permitting, the two artists are hoping will be created and then displayed on the corner to commence work on the sculpture by January of O’Connor and in the heart of 25. When completed, the Riel sculpture will be . close to three metres in height on top of a base showcasing his name in bold letters. It’s the first time in the 41-year history of Winterlude that the ice carvers have directly The sculpture will then be on display for the partnered with an Indigenous group. duration of the Winterlude festival which runs from January 31 to February 17. “We’re very excited to be able to showcase our sculptures and Louis Riel in one of the most The sculpture is just part of a significant Metis iconic pedestrian malls in Canada,” said Suguru presence at this year’s Winterlude. A play Kanbayashi, Director with the Canadian Ice chronicling the life of Louis Riel along with a Carvers’ Society. “We expect close to 600 000 replica Metis village will be featured at the visitors will take in the ice sculptures on Sparks Canadian Museum of History in . There Street this year.” will also be a gala hosted by the Metis National Council at the National Gallery of Canada. That Kanbayashi has been involved in the event will be a national showcase for Metis international ice sculpting community for more music, arts and culture. than 20 years. He says he has never witnessed an Indigenous leader being featured in the Winterlude competition before.

MMF Manitoba House Local Brings the Grand Ole Opry to the Great White North The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly stage concert jacket, bandana, and long braids as he sang “On in Nashville, Tennessee, that has been hosting the Road Again”. performances from some of the most famous country, bluegrass, and gospel artists since 1925. “Huge thank-you to all those talented On January 11, the MMF Manitoba House Local performers who donated their time and shared in Kinosota transformed their hall into their very their gift of music and songs with us. Funds own Kinosota Grand Ole Opry for the night, with raised from tonight’s event will be used to help community members portraying artists such our members when possible and for expenses as Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Elvis, and many for Muktuk Annie Festival,” said the organizers. more. The Manitoba House Local will be hosting their The event had a great turnout, with annual Muktuk Annie Festival on May long approximately 100 people filling the room for weekend in Kinosota. The festival was held in the potluck and show. A silent auction was also 2019 for the first time since the 1980s and has held to help raise money for the Local. once again become an annual event filled with traditional games and contests. The Opry showcased some of Kinosota’s most talented musicians and singers of all ages, who Check out the Community Event page on the performed in front of a barn door backdrop. MMF website to stay updated on all upcoming Sandy Campbell, the Chair of the Manitoba Metis events as we spend 2020 celebrating House Local, took the stage to perform as Willie the 150th anniversary of the Metis bringing Nelson. His outfit was complete with a fringed Manitoba into Confederation. “Heartbeat of the Nation” Gala to Raise Money for Diabetes Canada Last Friday, January 17, the Manitoba Métis their disease,” said Denise Thomas, Chair for Manitoba & Nunavut for Diabetes Canada. “Our Heritage Fund (MMHF) and the Manitoba Metis the MMHF and Minister of Sixties Scoop and hope is through our partnership and working Federation (MMF) announced their partnership Engagement & Consultation for the MMF. “This together, we will enhance the lives of the with Diabetes Canada for the 2020 MMHF Gala, donation will help fund diabetes research for Indigenous community.” “Heartbeat of the Nation.” all Canadians and support health care for our Nation and the country at large.” “Heartbeat of the Nation” will take place on Every year, this charitable organization of Tuesday, May 12, 2020, in the Grand Ballroom of the MMF hosts a Gala night with dinner, Diabetes Canada is the registered national the Hotel Fort Garry. entertainment and festivities to raise money charitable organization that is making the for a selected cause. This year’s Gala will be invisible epidemic of diabetes visible and urgent. its fourth. Since its inception, the MMHF has Diabetes Canada partners with Canadians to been able to support The Children’s Hospital end diabetes by providing resources for health Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation care professionals on best practices to care for and the Youth BIOlab Jeunesse through the St. people with diabetes, advocacy to governments, Boniface Hospital Foundation. schools and workplaces, and funding world- leading Canadian research to improve From the applications received from non-profits treatments and find a cure. and charities across the city, the MMHF Board said Diabetes Canada was selected based on the “Rates of diabetes among Indigenous people epidemic proportions the disease has reached. living in Canada are three to five times higher The development of a New Prevention Program than those for the non-Indigenous population that empowers individuals to lead a healthier and are associated with a number of factors, life and reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes is a including lack of access to healthy, affordable “win-win for all Manitobans.” food, genetic susceptibility, and historic political and psychosocial factors which stem from “Metis Citizens are more likely to be diagnosed the history of colonization and residential with diabetes than the general population of schools that severely undermined Indigenous Canada, less likely to receive specialized care values, culture, and spiritual practices,” said and more likely to be hospitalized because of Andrea Kwasnicki, Regional Director for Southeast Region Brings Red River Cart to St-Pierre-Jolys Last Friday, January 17, the Manitoba Metis The Red River Cart is an iconic symbol of the Since the inception of Manitoba, the Red River Federation’s (MMF) Southeast Region Metis Nation and was used throughout the 19th Cart has been a reminder of the ingenuity, celebrated the 150th anniversary of Manitoba’s century by Metis hunters, trappers, and traders perseverance, and hardworking nature of the entry in Confederation by erecting a Red River to transport large amounts and heavy weights of Metis Nation that founded Manitoba. In fact, Cart on the front lawn of the St-Pierre-Jolys buffalo meat and furs across the Prairies. Carts the cart’s broad wheel is featured prominently Museum in St-Pierre-Jolys, MB. were pulled by ox or other traction animals in the MMF logo. and loads of up to a thousand pounds could be Vice-President of the Southeast Region and transported up to 20 miles daily. Minister of Sixties Scoop and Engagement & Consultation for the MMF, Denise Thomas, MMF Associate Minister Shawn Nault, and Caucus Member Marielle Gauthier were all on hand to oversee the celebration and speak on behalf of the MMF. A few Southeast Local members and students from Institut Collégial St-Pierre helped move the cart into place.

The cart was also crafted by the students and funded by donations from the MMF. It celebrated St-Pierre’s rich heritage as an original Metis settlement.

In an interview with Steinbach Online, St-Pierre- Jolys Museum President Mireille Laroche says the cart also helps represent a historical Metis merchant, Moïse Goulet, who led a train of 64 Red River Carts to move his goods from Fort Garry to St. Paul, Minnesota, and lived only two miles south of St-Pierre-Jolys.

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