President’s Message its results. We are proud of the process developed political arena and in the courts of law, that we have since the mid-1960s. MMF elections are a critically advanced the claims, rights, and interests of our Métis important part of our democracy, yet only one part. Nation Citizens and our local communities over the Democracy does not happen only once every four past two decades. We made it clear that we want years – democracy is every year, every week, and to be partners with other governments, as well as every day throughout the term. industry, but we will not be forgotten or walked on. Always at the top of our minds, our Citizens are I am honoured that our electorate has confidence involved as participants throughout the MMF’s in the work and accomplishments we have made structure. The MMF has an Annual General Assembly together. I want to thank everyone who made this (AGA) open to all Métis Citizens. At the AGA we possible: elected representatives in our Caucus and We are in the middle of Manitoba Metis Federation have reports, discussion, debates, and resolutions elected representatives in each of our Locals across (MMF) elections. Election Day is in just two weeks, giving further direction or course changes. Regional the province. Our volunteers, always ready to voice on Thursday, May 31st. In this 2018 election, no Assemblies are also held each year, in villages, their concerns, share the load, and roll up their sleeves challengers were nominated to run for the position towns, and cities across the province, where our to help, must also be thanked. of President. I have been acclaimed as President for Local executives meet with Citizens. There are also Over the coming weeks, I am and will continue to be a second, consecutive term. I am proud, honoured, many consultation workshops on important issues on the road attending many campaign and cultural and humbled to be chosen by our constituents to lead throughout the year, led by your elected Ministers and events. For example, this week we had a ribbon cutting your Manitoba Métis Government. attended by our Citizens. ceremony at two newly-built homes on Dufferin Elections are an integral part of your Métis It is important to state that we are not a small, Avenue in Selkirk. This is another step in our initiative Government’s democracy and take place every insignificant special interest group, nor a fly-by- to develop and deliver housing for our Citizens. We four years. Through the elections, Métis Citizens night organization. Together with your MMF Caucus, are looking at a variety of models for housing that will have the unequalled opportunity to shape their we represent over 120,000 Métis people across meet the needs of our community. I look forward to Government’s mandate and direction for the next Manitoba, at both urban and rural levels. The MMF seeing you at many of these kinds of events. four years. Elections are much like report cards on governance structure is province-wide, with more I offer my best wishes for those who are sick or shut- the performance of your elected representatives. The than 130 Locals across Manitoba. The MMF provides in. I pray you will be blessed with healing, health, and elections also send a message about when change democratic governance for all Métis Nation Citizens peace. I also pray and share my heartfelt condolences is needed and where we are following the right path. in Manitoba. There isn’t an inch of ground in the and deepest sympathies for all our neighbours, Clearly, we are on the right track. province where Métis people don’t have democratic friends, and families who have lost loved ones. And self-government representation. The Chief Electoral Officer runs the MMF elections, good luck to all candidates on the campaign trail who independent of the MMF Caucus and the MMF The MMF is the voice of our Manitoba Métis are working hard to be your representatives. departments. This provides for security and community. As I have recently said elsewhere: it has Meeqwetch, independence of the election and confidence in been through our political and legal struggles, in the President David Chartrand, LL.D. (hon), O.M. MMF 2018 Election FAQs Election Voting: What you need to know What day is the election? I live outside Manitoba. Can I vote in the election? Do I need identification to vote? The MMF 2018 Election is May 31, 2018. Polls will be Members living outside Manitoba can still vote in the Yes. Article XXVI of the MMF Constitution requires open from 8am to 8pm. election, however, they must vote in person and in that every person voting must provide identification the local to which they belong as a member. prior to voting. MMF Metis Citizenship Cards issued When are advance polls? after September 10, 2009 are the best identification, I have been accepted as a member of a First Nation Advance polls take place May 24, 2018 from 8am but other forms of identification are acceptable. but still consider myself Metis. May I vote in the until 2pm, and May 25, 2018 from 3pm until 9pm. Generally, identification issued by a government election? Electors who choose to vote at an Advance Poll must that has a photo will be accepted, as will evidence vote in person at the Advance Poll established in the No, only MMF members may vote. Article IV, that you are the person listed in the poll book (final region in which they are entitled to vote. Paragraph 3 of the MMF Constitution states that Voter’s List) which could not be reasonably obtained individual membership with MMF is terminated by another person and which confirms your identity. Advance polls will only be available in the Winnipeg upon: “The entry of the member’s name in a Band list Region, Southeast Region, and Northwest Region for How do I run for office? or in the Indian Register according to the provisions the 2018 election. For questions on polling locations, of the Indian Act, R.S.C., c.1-6, as amended”. Nominations for candidates closed on May 2, 2018, contact the Chief Electoral Officer. and the opportunity to challenge nominations has I live in Winnipeg, but I belong to a local in another How do I know if I am eligible to vote? concluded. Nomination will open again ahead of the region. Where do I vote? next MMF elections in 2022. Eligible voters, also known as “electors,” must be: Members may only belong to one local at a time. A For more information contact the Chief Electoral person remains with the local they originally joined • Members of the MMF Officer: • At least 18 years old, and until they change that designation. That change must be done before an election is called. After the call of David N. Gray, Chief Electoral Officer • On the Voter’s List an election, you must vote in the local of which you MMF Box 1178, 201-203 5th Ave. N. All eligible electors should by now have confirmed are a member. Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 their name on the Voter’s List. No names will be For example, if you are registered to a local in the Telephone: 204-480-9871 (Winnipeg) added to the list except those missing due to clerical Southwest Region, but now live in Winnipeg, you may Toll free: 1-888-480-9014 (outside Winnipeg) error, who make a special application to the Chief only vote in person at your local in the Southwest Fax: 204-480-9872 Electoral Officer to have their name added. Region. Email: [email protected] Website: MBMetisElections.ca • PROVINCE-WIDE Recruitment for Summer Student Positions Visit www.mmfemployment.ca for more information and to • Bartending Course in Winnipeg May 22-25 view all of the employment and training opportunities. Métis Lawyer Métis Citizens to Receive Order of Manitoba Nominated as one Two Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) Citizens will receive the Order of Manitoba this summer. of Canada’s 25 Most Michael Patrick Belhumeur Jr. and Barbara Bruce Influential Lawyers will be invested to the Order in a special ceremony to be held at 4pm on Thursday, July 12 in Room 200 of the Manitoba Legislative Building. Michael Patrick Belhumeur Jr. has spent nearly 40 years creating positive change through volunteerism. At a young age, he organized a volunteer community foot patrol in 1976 to support safety and wellness in his home of Winnipeg. An advocate for veterans with PTSD and a veteran himself, Belhumeur later founded the Urban Angels Ambassador Outreach Patrol, which helps homeless Indigenous veterans connect with resources and The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999, and is the supports, and the Manitoba Coalition of Families of highest honour bestowed by the province. (File photo) Homeless Veterans. Belhumeur is also a long-time Boards of Directors and was directly involved member of the MMF and a former Chair of the Riel in planning national events for the Truth and Local in Winnipeg. Reconciliation Commission. Bruce is a two-spirit Jason Madden (left) has been nominated for Canadian Lawyer Barbara Bruce is an entrepreneur and elder who has elder who follows her traditional spiritual way of life. magazine’s “25 Most Influential” under the Human Rights, spent her life working with and for the Métis Nation Advocacy, and Criminal Law category. The Order of Manitoba was established in 1999, and First Nations’ communities. Early in her career, and is the highest honour bestowed by the province. Bruce worked for several years with the MMF, Métis lawyer and MMF legal counsel Jason Madden Twelve members are inducted into the Order of including a term as Executive Director.