President`s Message - Manitoba Metis Federation Inc.

President’s Message
help set the negotiations in areas such as education,
health care and economic opportunities to the recent
MOU we signed with Canada on the outstanding
comprehensive land claim of the Métis Nation’s
Manitoba Métis Community. These are important
and critical moments in our collective history as Métis
Citizens.
Indigenous lives matter. We, as Indigenous People,
have much to offer Canada. We also have much to
expect from Canada and from ourselves. It has been
refreshing to see the Liberal government follow words
with action when it comes to addressing longstanding
attitudes and misconceptions regarding Canada’s
Indigenous People.
In its first term, the Liberals under Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau has appointed Indigenous Members
of Parliament to critical portfolios that oversee issues
of importance to Canada’s Indigenous People. The
Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould is Canada’s first
Indigenous Minister of Justice and Attorney General
of Canada. The Honourable Hunter Tootoo was also
the first Indigenous Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and
the Canadian Coast Guard. While Mr. Tootoo is no
longer responsible for this portfolio, it is important
to recognize the Government’s new approach to
governing Indigenous issues.
The presence of Indigenous People in the federal
cabinet has been an encouragement for all
people across Canada. Their appointments have
demonstrated the Prime Minister’s acknowledgement
that often it is the Indigenous people who are best
qualified to manage the resources they have relied on
since time immemorial. I want to encourage our new
Prime Minister to continue his practice of appointing
Canada’s Indigenous People to those portfolios that
directly impact them.
As I said in my last message, these are exciting times
for the Métis Nation. From the Supreme Court of
Canada’s recent ruling on the Daniels case that will
Regarding the MOU we signed with Canada, I will
be visiting each region to answer questions and
to help explain the significance and impact of this
document as well as what our next steps will be. My
staff are preparing the agenda for these meetings and
coordinating with the Regions to set these up. These
community consultations will begin in the next few
weeks. Please be sure to keep an eye on our website
and to be in touch with your Regional Office regarding
this important matter.
This week we are hosting a Bicentennial
Commemoration of the Battle of Seven Oaks, Métis
leader Cuthbert Grant Jr. and the Métis Nation
Flag. Cuthbert Grant is the celebrated Métis leader
instrumental in the early development of the Métis
Nation. In 1816 he guided his people through turbulent
times and afterwards, in 1824, established the new
community of Grant Town, known today as St. François
Xavier.
The Commemoration activities begin at 9 am on
Sunday, June 19th with Mass and a Memorial service
at St. Francois Xavier Parish located at 1053 Hwy 26,
St. François Xavier. From there we will travel to Grant’s
Old Mill Museum at 2777 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg
for a picnic lunch at 11 am and conclude with the
unveiling of the renewed Battle of Seven Oaks National
Historic Site located at the intersection of Main Street
and Rupert’s Land Boulevard in Winnipeg at 1:30 pm.
As part of the Commemoration activities, the
Manitoba Metis Federation is partnering with Library
and Archives Canada to display the 1818 independent
report on the Battle of Seven Oaks written by Lt. Col.
William B. Coltman. This report was commissioned
by Governor-General Sherbrooke to determine what
really happened at the Battle of Seven Oaks. Among
the conclusions, the report found the Métis were not
the aggressors in the Battle and responded within the
reasonable boundaries of self-defense.
The report will be on display from June 16 – June
23rd in the Protecting Rights gallery at the Canadian
Museum of Human Rights. I encourage you, if you are
in Winnipeg, to visit the Museum and view this report
written on an event that helped solidify the Métis
Nation as our forefathers sought to protect our rights
and the ability to trade freely so we could care for our
families.
Also this week, Manitoba will be hosting the Métis
National Council General Assembly taking place from
June 16 – June 18th at the Fort Garry Hotel. This is
important gathering of Métis from all across the Métis
Homeland. My cabinet and I will be representing the
interests and needs of the Manitoba Métis Citizens.
Finally, we will also be commemorating the Battle of
Seven Oaks and the Emergence of the Métis Nation
at a public symposium taking place 2 pm on Saturday,
June 18th at the Hotel Fort Garry. Topics that will be
presented include Métis Governance, Mothers of the
Métis Nation, Historical Memory and Métis narratives
of the Battle of Seven Oaks, and the long journey of
the Métis Nation in its struggle for recognition and
rights. We will be videotaping these presentations and
making them available on our social media channels –
Facebook and YouTube.
As I have often said lately, this is an exciting time for
the Métis Nation and an exciting and important time to
be a Métis Citizen. If you have not renewed your Métis
Citizenship card or have yet to take this first step to
official recognition of the Métis ancestry, I encourage
you to do so. Visit our website at www.mmf.mb.ca for
important information on Métis Citizenship.
In closing, I offer my thoughts and prayers to those
who are shut-in, are sick or caused to grieve. We
are a family – a Nation of one people and a common
ancestry. I encourage you to visit one another and
support each other in our journey. Together we are
strong. Together we can do anything we put our hearts
and minds to. Enjoy these beautiful summer days. I
wish you health, good luck and safety in your many
activities and family gatherings.
Meeqwetch,
President David Chartrand, LL.D. (hon), O.M.
Historic Battle of
Seven Oaks Coltman
Report on display at
Canadian Museum for
Human Rights
On June 16th, Library and Archives Canada (LAC)
will display the historic Coltman Report on the Battle
of Seven Oaks at the Canadian Museum for Human
Rights (CMHR). The report is on display as a part of
the Métis Nation’s Bicentennial Commemoration of
the Battle of Seven Oaks. Members of the public can
see the original report from June 16th – 23rd at the
CMHR’s Protecting Rights Gallery.
The Coltman Report is an independent report of the
Battle of Seven Oaks written by Lieutenant Colonel
William B. Coltman in 1818.
“We are very excited about this,” said LAC Project
Manager, Beth Greenhorn. “We understand the
Coltman Report is a significant document in Métis
history and we are very happy to share it with
Winnipeg.”
The Report was commissioned by GovernorGeneral Sherbrooke in 1816 to determine what really
happened during the Battle. He published his report,
Inquiry into the Offences Committed at the Battle of
Seven Oaks, in 1818. Today it is simply referred to as
the Coltman Report.
In his report, Coltman took dispositions from both
sides and determined the Hudson’s Bay Company,
led by Governor Semple, fired the first shot at
the Métis, led by Cuthbert Grant Jr., who were
attempting to travel to Lake Winnipeg to trade with
their partners. He also concluded the Métis were
not the aggressors during the Battle of Seven Oaks,
and even attested the Métis responded within the
reasonable boundaries of self-defence.
“The Coltman Report played a major role in the
emergence of the Métis Nation,” said President
David Chartrand of the Manitoba Metis Federation.
“It legitimized the first steps the Métis took in
protecting their rights and access to free trade. At
the Battle of Seven Oaks, the Métis said enough
was enough and their actions helped cement the
foundation of our nationhood.”
Presently there are no copies of the original report,
which makes it difficult to access a version for research
and study purposes. LAC is hoping to change this by
providing an online transcription tool for the public
to assist in transcribing the handwritten pages of the
report, thereby making it digitally accessible for all.
This will allow more Canadians to research the report
and learn about this important event in the history of
the Métis Nation.
The Coltman Report will be in a glass display for its
duration at CMHR. LAC has selected Métis specific
sections – where Coltman absolves the Métis of
wrongdoing – which will be highlighted for public
viewing.
This is the first time LAC has displayed the document
at another location other than the Archives since
they obtained it in 1939. Beth Greenhorn expressed
her excitement about the display and inviting the
11th Annual Aboriginal Day
Festivities
MMF President David Chartrand (left) and Mr. Gord
Mackintosh (right) view the Coltman Report.
public to be a part of a project to transcribe the report
for online research and study.
“We [Library and Archives Canada] are hoping
members of the public will feel inspired by Coltman’s
braveness, and try to transcribe the only copy of this
document that is essential to the Métis Nation’s
history.”
Beth will also showcase the special transcription tool
on Sunday, June 19th at the CMHR. Members of the
public will have opportunity during this presentation
to transcribe portions of the Coltman Report. This
tool will also be available online afterwards at http://
t8.ourdigitalworld.org/en for anyone in the world
who would like to participate in this project.
FREE FUN FOR THE
Join us for the 11th Annual Aboriginal Day Festivities on Tuesday, June 21st, where MMF and partners will be hosting a free fun filled day of activities in Selkirk Park,
jam-packed with a petting zoo, bounce-a-roos, cotton candy, races, Métis Entertainment, Deer Hide Stretching with Louis Riel Institute and much more!
Headliner: Jerry Sereda | Master of Ceremonies: Mike Lauze | Sound By: Bill Smoliski
Métis Entertainment 1pm-7pm | Rayne Delaronde | The 3 Trills and Ma Mere | Gilbert & Friends | Megan Mowatt
Dean Davis Metis Club Traditional Dancers | Kinew Youth Fiddlers and Tom Dutiaume | Jerry Sereda
9am -11am - Pancake Breakfast | 12pm - Opening Ceremonies | 1pm - Entertainment Starts | 3pm-5pm - Hamburgers & Hot Dogs
Our Valuable Partners: City of Selkirk, Selkirk Friendship Centre, Interlake Metis Association, Selkirk Red River Métis Local, Province of Manitoba, Canadian
Heritage, Selkirk Community Renewal Corporation, First Class Training Centre Inc., “Bank Approved” - Vickar Community Chevrolet, Metis N4 Construction Inc.
The
Bale of
Seven Oaks
Commemoration
∞ you are invited ∞
On Sunday, June 19th, the Manitoba Metis Federation and Métis National Council will be
hosting a bicentennial commemoration for Cuthbert Grant, the Battle of Seven Oaks, and the
Métis Nation flag.
Cuthbert Grant is the celebrated Métis leader instrumental in the early development of the
Métis Nation. The Battle of Seven Oaks marks one of the first times in history the Métis
distinguished themselves as a Nation and also the first time the Métis Nation flag was flown.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the commemoration events on Sunday, June
19th, which include:
All Day Event
Coltman Report
Location: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
9:00 AM
Commemoration Service for Cuthbert Grant (Mass and Opening Remarks)
Location: 1053 Hwy 26, St. François Xavier, MB
11:00 AM
Grant’s Old Mill Museum (Lunch and Entertainment)
11:20 AM - 12:35 PM - Grant’s Mill Guided Tours
Location: 2777 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3S5
1:30 PM
Battle of Seven Oaks National Historic Site
(Comemmoration of the Battle of Seven Oaks, Métis and Scottish Entertainment)
Location: Intersection of Main Street and Rupert’s Land Boulevard
Together, Building a Nation
IT NEEDS YOUR VOICE TOO.
It doesn’t matter what you look like or what language
you speak. If your ancestry is inextricably tied to
the Red River Valley – you could be a part of the
Métis Nation. Your ancestors built this country,
and now it’s your turn to build the Métis Nation.
Uncover the power of your identity.
Apply for your Métis Citizenship today.
To learn more about your Métis
Government visit mmf.mb.ca.
Phone:
Email:
Mail:
The Citizens of the Métis Nation’s Manitoba
Community have recently seen exciting and
momentous progress. It is certainly a thrilling time to
be – or become – a Métis Citizen.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in the Daniels vs. Canada
case in April will pave the way for future negotiations
with the federal government in areas including, but
not limited to, education, health care, and economic
opportunities. A Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU), signed just weeks ago between Canada and
the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), is a historic
step toward advancing reconciliation for the Manitoba
Métis and renewed partnership with Canada in the
area of settling the outstanding comprehensive
land claim of the Métis Nation’s Manitoba Métis
community. With all that is happening, now is the
time to confirm your Citizenship.
Métis Citizenship is a celebration of a proud heritage
and cultural identity. Joining the Métis Nation means
reconnecting with your Métis ancestors and the Métis
Nation – a unique Indigenous Nation within Canada
born in the Red River Valley, the Heart of the Métis
Nation Homeland. Our ancestors are the people who
developed the deepest foundations of our Métis
culture, traditions, and ancestral language – Michif.
They are the ones who were called Otipemisiwak –
“the people who own themselves, the independent
ones”.
It is an important time in history for the Métis, and
a critical time to be a part of our Nation’s progress.
1-800-665-8474 (ask for Citizenship)
[email protected]
300 - 150 Henry Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0J7
Adding your voice to the Métis Nation will help
build our Nation and guide our Métis Government.
As a confirmed Métis Citizen you have access to
Métis-specific economic, education, and other
opportunities. Our Citizens, together, are essential
participants involved in the continued growth of the
Métis Nation both in the present and into the future.
Watch the video ‘Celebrate your
Identity – Become a Citizen of the
Métis Nation’ on MMF’s Facebook
page.
Anyone interested in obtaining their Métis Citizenship
card must first self-identify as Métis and fill out the
required application forms, available on the MMF’s
website. As part of the process, applicants must
apply for a family genealogy from the St. Boniface
Historical Society to identify and affirm their ancestral
connection to the historic Métis Nation. Please note
– only one genealogy is required for your family; you
may use your parent’s or sibling’s genealogy record.
Once all required paperwork and documentation
has been gathered, applicants should contact their
Local Executive if they live in Manitoba to confirm
they have all the information required. Locals can be
found in any Manitoba community and also online
on the MMF website. If you have difficulty finding
your Local, your Regional Office can help you. For
those who do not live in Manitoba, you may contact
the Central Registry Office for assistance. Contact
information for your Regional Office or the Central
Registry Office can be found by visiting mmf.mb.ca.
Your application will then be forwarded to the Central
Registry Office and reviewed by its staff. Once your
ancestral connection to the historic Métis Nation
is confirmed, you will be issued a Citizenship card
recognizing you as a Métis Citizen.
Full instructions, application forms, and additional
information regarding the Métis Citizenship process
can be found by visiting our website at mmf.mb.ca/
membership.php. Interested applicants can also
contact the MMF’s Central Registry Office at (204)
586-8474 with any questions they may have.
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