government was denied by our country and Indigenous People who are Canada’s Negotiating deemed illegitimate. It is now a proven fact that Partner in Confederation and Founders of it was a government. Therefore, the “President” . In fact, Bill 206, the Act, title would be equivalent to “Premier.” which would bestow Riel with the honourary title of First , was recently Many dispute whether the title “Premier” is introduced. This would ensure that future appropriate for Riel, as he never held said title generations learn about all his contributions in officially. To those raising this point, I have one school. answer: Alfred Boyd is also commonly referred to as Manitoba’s first Premier, but this is not Louis Riel and the Metis are not footnotes accurate. Boyd wasn’t known by that title at the in our province’s history – the province that time and did not lead the government. Boyd we created. As we near celebrations for was actually the Provincial Secretary. Sir Adams the province’s 150th Anniversary, and to be I know many of you gathered at various George Archibald was Lieutenant-Governor of consistent with the need reflected in the Sun’s celebrations over the February long weekend Manitoba and, at the same time, acted as the poll, more messaging is needed for Manitobans to celebrate Louis Riel’s legacy, participating in Premier. Prior to this, Louis Riel was our first to understand the Metis Nation’s crucial place in Metis traditions such as beading, dancing, and Premier, even though the title was “President” the history of this country and province. Official more. Louis Riel Day events allow all Manitobans at the time. recognition of Riel as the first Premier would to embrace our distinct culture and heritage, help protect the Metis Nation’s history, and while also recognizing the leadership Louis On December 8, 1869, the provisional would reaffirm what the Metis and the majority Riel demonstrated in the establishment of our government released a proclamation called the of citizens already know. province and his undeniable role in furthering “Declaration of the People of Rupert’s Land both French and Indigenous rights. It is without and the North-West.” This proclamation denied The first legislative body under the leadership of a doubt in my mind that without Riel crusading Canada’s power over the North-West. John Riel was described as the Convention of 40, with for these rights, the landscape of Manitoba and Bruce stepped down as President at this time, 20 English speakers and 20 French speakers. Riel Canada would be unrecognizable today. and Riel took over from Secretary to President. didn’t only represent the Métis; he represented all citizens. This impacts all Manitobans. During these festivities, the Federal and Riel demanded the government of Canada Provincial NDP leaders urged the province to recognize our traditional lands at Red River Finally, I offer my thoughts and prayers for those recognize Riel as the first Premier of Manitoba. Settlement as a province and not as a colony. who are experiencing hard times. May you The Winnipeg Sun responded to this by asking The provisional government’s negotiators find support and encouragement from family, readers if Riel should officially be recognized presented a List of Rights to the Government friends, and community. I wish you the best as as the province’s first Premier; 55.85 per cent of Canada. The List of Rights was built upon we leave the colder months and enter the spring responded yes, and 44.15 per cent said no. an inclusive vision for Manitoba – one that season. valued bilingualism, multiculturalism, as well as While I am glad to see the majority of Indigenous and minority rights. The List was a Meeqwetch, respondents believe that Riel is the first foundational document in establishing Manitoba Premier, it is troubling that over 40 per cent of as a province in Canadian Confederation respondents still feel that Riel should not be through the Manitoba Act, 1870. The MMF recognized as such. The question has a simple upholds these rights of the Metis Nation. answer for me. To us, the Metis, Riel was and always will be the first Premier. A Premier is the Riel fought and died for this province – for leader of our province. Upon creation of our his people, their lands, and their rights. In province in 1870, Riel was its leader, holding the celebrating 150 years, we should honour Riel’s position of President of the Legislative Assembly role as the visionary leader of the Manitoba of Assiniboia – which was the old name for Metis – also known as the Red River Metis – the the Government of Manitoba. The provisional President David Chartrand, LL.D. (hon), O.M. Red River Metis Expedition 2020 Completes Dogsled Portion The two-part 2020 Red River Metis Expedition hand for the send-off, and to welcome the “We are a proud people, a resilient people,” began on February 18 in Kenora. Sponsored by expedition back into Manitoba on February 20. MMF President David Chartrand said on the the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), the 160- significance of the Metis expedition. “By keeping km journey started with a dogsled trek to the The second portion, involving horse-drawn Red the Métis vision strong we celebrate the role of Whitemouth River. River carts, will continue in Hadashville on April our people in building this country. Be proud of 20. who you are, be proud to be Métis and be proud MMF Ministers Denise Thomas and Richard to be part of this great nation.” Genaille were in attendance for the kick-off The three-month traditional Metis expedition, to the dogsled leg, which was hosted by the organized by Metis Citizen Armand Jerome and Kenora Metis Council. Tyler Thomas, MMF’s his wife Kelly, is a celebration of Manitoba’s Provincial Youth Advisory Committee Chair, rode 150th anniversary. Retracing the historic the dogsled with a guide, Marc-André Belcourt, Dawson Trail route, the trek will end in co-owner of Harness Adventure Mushing Co. Manitoba’s birthplace, Upper Fort Garry, on May Media, Citizens and MMF personnel were on 12, the province’s official birthdate. MMF Hosts Family Fun Day in The Pas February 15 marked the 20th annual Family Fun Vice-President for The Pas Region, Judy Mayer, carving and speed-cutting races, a Junior Jigging Day, organized by Manitoba Metis Federation’s Minister of Constitution, Metis Rights, Metis Contest, a Snow/Ice Sculpture Contest, World (MMF) The Pas Local at the Metis Hall. Nation Agenda & Governance, took part in Championship Dog Races, a Walking Poker Celebrating Louis Riel Day and Metis 150, Family the festivities, as well as Board Members Joan Derby, a Family Ice Fishing Derby, Street Hockey, Fun Day offered Metis Citizens an open mic and Ledoux, Minister of Provincial Education, and and a King and Queen Trapper contest with fish a silent auction, along with a hearty meal. Darrel Ferland, Associate Minister of Economic filleting, bannock frying, leg wrestling and more. Development. Frances Chartrand, Minister of In addition to Sagkeeng’s Finest, a dance troupe Health & Wellness & Early Learning Child Care, that appeared on and won 2012’s Canada’s Got also helped out at the event. Talent, entertainment for the evening included the Tequila Creek band, The Pas Fiddlers Free to all Metis Citizens, Family Fun Day showcase, the DuckBay Team United dancers, coincided with the 73rd annual Northern and the D-Town Steppers. Manitoba Trappers’ Festival in The Pas, which took place February 12–16 of this year. People MMF Ministers – as well as Brooklyn Mayer, from all over the world attended the Trappers’ Miss MMF for The Pas Region – were on hand Festival. Highlights included an Arts & Crafts to spread the warmth of the community. show, logging activities such as chainsaw

MMF Responds to Wet’suwet’en Blockades You have probably read and heard the Manitoba that we need to fight when our rights are under delivery of goods and reducing the quality of Metis Federation’s (MMF) position about the attack and protest when we’re not being heard. life for many Canadians. The elderly, people Wet’suwet’en blockades in response to the We have worked hard and made great strides living with an illness, youth, children and all Coastal GasLink pipeline project. The question to bring awareness of our rights to Canadians. our relations will be affected. I cannot support of who has jurisdiction to represent the However, I feel this issue has been blown out the protestors and worry that a life will be Wet’suwet’en regarding its territory and natural of proportion. If the majority supports the lost if tensions continue to escalate. I hope for resources has resulted in protests and blockades pipeline, do the protestors know who or what peaceful resolution, and compassion all around. across Canada. they are fighting for? It’s important for all of us Indigenous Peoples Twenty First Nations band councils, including These protests and the lack of dialogue to look to the future of Indigenous governance five of six Wet’suwet’en elected band councils, arise from not respecting the roles and and how we can advance the rights, interests, support the pipeline, along with some responsibilities of the elected leaders. We are claims, and prosperity of our Citizens. If Hereditary Chiefs, while other Hereditary Chiefs in a situation where many groups are trying to the economy is developing, we can better oppose it. Since the effects of this conflict have tell an Indigenous self-government what to do. govern and care for our Citizens, as well as reached across the country, with some apparent The elected Chiefs and councils, and Hereditary the environment. The Metis people drove the protestors even turning to vandalism in our city, Chiefs, need to sort out for themselves who has economy in the fur trade, and, if we recognize I feel compelled to respond. governance in their territory. it, we have a massive job opportunity with the Coastal GasLink pipeline. We need to remember Being a Nation born out of resistance, the Metis Meanwhile, these protests have resulted in that reconciliation is a two-way street. We must Nation understands struggle. We understand arrests, and blocked rail lines, halting the work together, not apart. IWS Holds Visioning Pathways Conference Infinity Women Secretariat (IWS) hosted its Led by Aha! Graphic Facilitation, the attendees, All the women Ministers and Vice-Presidents of “Visioning Pathways: Enhancing Governance which included Citizens, Ministers, MMF staff, the MMF – Mona Buors of the Interlake, Frances & Advocacy Capacity with Metis Women” and Local executive teams, collaborated to Chartrand of the Northwest, Denise Thomas of workshop on Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, shape the future of IWS and express how the the Southeast, Leah LaPlante of the Southwest, February 23 at the Fort Garry Hotel, uniting MMF’s woman-centric affiliate could better Judy Mayer of The Pas, Julyda Lagimodiere of Metis Women of all generations from across the provide for the Metis Nation. Thompson, and JoAnne Remillard of Winnipeg – province to discuss the future of IWS. were in attendance.

“The women you have representing you… are very strong women who fight, every time we meet, for the good of our communities,” said Minister LaPlante. “When Metis women decide that something has to be done for our communities, there’s no holding us back.”

A key message throughout the weekend was, “Who are we and what is our power?” By the end of the weekend, Minister Campbell’s answer was simple:

“My power is the women,” said Minister Campbell. “My power is you.”

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