Métis Lands Harvesting Initiative

The MMF - National Government of the Red River Métis - is NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for the 2025-2026 Métis Lands Harvesting Initiative. The initiative will take place on Métis Lands located in the Northwest and Southwest Regions throughout the 2025-2026 harvesting season, beginning July 15, 2025.

Locations:

• Minitonas Land (GHA 18A, 160 acres)
• Swan River Land (GHA 18A160 acres)
• Turtle Mountain Land (GHA 29, 120 acres)

To reduce impacts, ensure safety, and support conservation and sustainable wildlife populations, Red River Métis harvesters will participate in a lottery-style draw as part of a Harvesting Party for access to their preferred land to harvest one big-game animal.

The Métis Lands Harvesting Initiative includes the following:

• Harvesting Party - The Harvesting Party may include up to three Red River Métis Harvesters, all of whom must possess a valid MMF Harvester Card with the 2025-2026 Conservation Trust Fund ("CTF") sticker. Each harvester must be registered to only one Harvesting Party and cannot participate in a second one.
• Captain of the Hunt - This is the Red River Métis harvester who will lead the hunt and act as the official applicant on behalf of their Harvesting Party. The Captain of the Hunt must ensure that all harvesters in their Harvesting Party have purchased their 2024-2025 CTF sticker before submitting their application - NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Choice of Property & Harvest - Each successfully drawn Harvesting Party will have the opportunity to harvest one big-game animal on one of the three Métis Lands in rural Manitoba.
• Property Access - Each successfully drawn Harvesting Party will have a 7-day period to access the property for harvesting. If a Harvesting Party decides to leave before Day 7, they must notify the MMF within 24 hours of departure. Access to the property will be as follows:
  • Day 1 (Monday) - The Harvesting Party arrives and sets up camp after 12pm (noon);
  • Day 2 (Tuesday) to Day 6 (Saturday) - Opportunity for harvesting; and,
  • Day 7 (Sunday) - Pack up and leave by 12pm (noon).

The Harvesting Party will set up camp at the designated site on each property. Camping must follow a "no trace - minimal impact" approach, leaving no garbage and respecting the land. Campfires must be held in the designated fire pit, and cut and stacked firewood will be available at the campsite. Harvesters must not cut down trees on Métis Lands for firewood, camp poles, or any other purpose. The Harvesting Party may harvest one big-game animal; no other harvesting is permitted - NO EXCEPTIONS. Portable toilets will be provided at the campsite.

Please note that all Red River Métis harvesters must hold a valid Métis Harvester Card, have purchased a 2025-2026 CTF sticker, and follow the Métis Laws of the Harvest-3^rd Revised Edition.

To download an application form, please click the following link: 2025-26 Métis Lands Harvesting Initiative, or contact the MMF's Energy, Infrastructure and Resource Management Department for information and assistance in filling out the form. Completed applications must be complete and submitted to big-gameharvest@mmf.mb.ca by 12:00 pm on July 7, 2025, to be registered for the draw.