Identity Protection and Inter-Indigenous Relations

Minister: Will Goodon

Contact Us

Phone: 1(204)586-8474
Email: identity@mmf.mb.ca

Address:
300-150 Henry Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
Canada, R3B 0J7

Message from the Minister

"The identity of the Red River Métis is one of our Nation's greatest strengths. Protecting that identity is essential to preserving our history, safeguarding our rights, and ensuring future generations inherit a strong and vibrant Nation.

The Ministry of Identity Protection, Inter-Indigenous Relations & International Affairs was established to advance this important work. Through collaboration, policy development, research, education, and relationship-building, we are working to strengthen distinctions-based approaches, support Red River Métis Citizens, and build respectful relationships with Indigenous governments and international partners.

As our Ministry continues to grow, we remain committed to protecting the integrity of the Red River Métis Nation while advancing opportunities that strengthen our communities today and for generations to come."

• Minister Will Goodon

Minister of Identity Protection, Inter-Indigenous Relations & International Affairs

Mission

To protect, preserve, and promote the distinct identity of the Red River Métis through policy development, education, collaboration, and relationship-building while strengthening partnerships with Indigenous governments and advancing the interests of the National Government of the Red River Métis.

Vision

A future where the distinct identity, rights, and governance of the Red River Métis are understood, respected, and protected across Canada and internationally.

About the Ministry

Established in 2025, the Ministry of Identity Protection and Inter-Indigenous Relations was created to protect the distinct identity of the Red River Métis and strengthen respectful relationships with Indigenous governments. Following the 2025-2026 reporting period, the Ministry's mandate was expanded to include International Affairs, reflecting the National Government's growing role in Indigenous diplomacy and international engagement.

The Ministry works collaboratively across the National Government of the Red River Métis to advance policy, research, education, and strategic partnerships that protect Red River Métis identity while promoting distinctions-based approaches and supporting the long-term priorities of the Nation.

What We Do

While the Ministry does not deliver direct public programs or services, it leads and supports strategic initiatives that protect the identity of the Red River Métis and strengthen relationships with Indigenous governments and partners.

Areas of responsibility include:

• Identity Protection Framework development
• Distinctions-based policy development
• Research and public education
• Institutional engagement with post-secondary institutions
• Inter-Indigenous relationship building
• International Indigenous engagement
• Cross-government policy collaboration
• Support for identity-related initiatives across the National Government

How We Work

The Ministry works collaboratively with Citizens, departments, educational institutions, Indigenous governments, and external partners to ensure the distinct identity of the Red River Métis is understood, respected, and protected.

Current areas of focus include:

• Protecting Red River Métis identity and Citizenship integrity
• Supporting distinctions-based approaches
• Building relationships with Indigenous governments
• Expanding institutional engagement
• Advancing international partnerships
• Supporting research and policy development
• Collaborating across the National Government of the Red River Métis

News & Resources (Quick Links)

Learn About the Red River Métis

• Red River Métis - /the-red-river-metis-la-nouvelle-nation
• MMF Citizenship - /citizenship

Interviews & Discussions

• A special panel on Metis identity, self government and Metis Nation Ontario controversy - www.aptnnews.ca/videos/a-special-panel-on-metis-identity-self-government-and-metis-nation-ontario-controversy/

Related Departments

• MMF Culture and Heritage - /culture-heritage
• MMF Engagement and Consultation - /engagement-consultation
• Louis Riel Institute - /louis-riel-institute