MMF Delegation attends the annual Montana Métis Celebration and Powwow.

September 9, 2026

September 2026 - On the Labour Day long weekend, September 4-7, 2026 Minister of Identity Protection + Inter-Indigenous and international Affairs, Will Goodon and Clément Chartier, Ambassador for Inter-Nation and International Relations attended the Métis Celebration and Powwow which was first held in 1979 in Lewistown, originally a Métis settlement established in 1879. Since 1994 it has been held annually in Lewistown.

This year however, about two weeks before the event was to take place, the event organizers were informed that their permit to hold the event was cancelled as the grounds were double-booked and that a wedding was taking place.

As the event organizers were considering cancelling the event, the nearby community of Winnett, population of less than 200 offered to host the event free of charge. This offer was accepted and the Métis Celebration and Powwow was held, just not in Lewistown.

At the opening ceremonies on the evening of Friday, September 4^th, Minister Goodon brought greetings on behalf of the MMF, the National Government of the Red River Métis and provided an update on the developments which have taken place under the Red River Métis government, including the Treaty currently before Parliament.

The evening also witnessed fiddle and jigging contests, as well as old-time dancing. There were also traditional foods for sale, as well as both a public and silent auction to raise funds for the event costs.

It was a fun night, and the following days were taken up by a powwow.

Prior to attending the event, Ambassador Chartier attended a meeting with the leadership of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewas in Great Falls, Montana on Thursday, September 3^rd. Representing the Little Shell were Chairman Gerald Gray, Colleen Hill, Secretary/Treasurer, and Council Members Alisa Herodes and Daniel Boyer. Many of the enrolled members of the Little Shell Tribe are Métis and have kinship connections to families living in Canada. There was an interest on the part of the Little Shell leadership to continue a dialogue between themselves and the MMF.

 

 

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