Everything you need to know for the MMF's 2026 National Assembly

October 9, 2026

A guide to help Red River Métis Citizens navigate the biggest event of the year

_{The National Assembly will be taking place October 16-18 at the Assiniboia Downs.}

Whether you've been attending the National Assembly year after year or this is your first time attending, we want to ensure all Red River Métis Citizens are well equipped to navigate the Manitoba Métis Federation's (MMF) biggest event of the year, the National Assembly (NA).

If you have a question, we have an answer. Here is what you need to know before you go!

Arrival and Registration

_{For the MMF to accurately record attendance, you must attend the Registration Table upon entry each day to have your MMF Citizenship card scanned.}

We'll take care of you, so please only bring what you need

For the safety of the event, please only bring essential items needed to ensure your comfort throughout the weekend. Large bags may be subject to a security check.

Your car can basically go anywhere - within reason!

Free parking at the Assiniboia Downs is available to all attendees throughout the weekend. Accessible parking is available in the south lot to all Citizens who hold a Provincial Handicap Permit.

Ride with us in style

Golf cart shuttles will be available throughout the weekend to get Citizens to and from the parking lot. Priority will be given to Elders, people with mobility concerns, and families with small children.

We need to know you're here (physically and virtually)

In-person registration will take place throughout the weekend in the lobby of the Assiniboia Downs. Your Citizenship card is required for registration. Citizens who have not pre-registered will be required to fill out a registration form upon entry and will be registered as a General Delegate.

After completing registration, Registered Local Delegates will receive a name tag and NA kit - which includes vital information for the weekend.

I'm here and registered, where do I go?

There are multiple areas throughout the venue Citizens can access to witness democracy in action. The main floor hall is reserved for Registered Local Delegates, Registered Elders, and those with pre-registered mobility needs (wristband required).

General seating is available in the Red River Métis pavilion - located outside, the lower level, and the second floor - all of which are staffed and equipped with the necessary audio-visual equipment needed to participate. General seating in these areas is first-come, first-served.

If you utilize a hearing device, please visit the information booth to advise us of your accessibility needs. We will be happy to arrange appropriate accommodation to support your participation.

Services for Citizens

_{We are setting up our Citizens for success with our wide range of services available throughout the weekend.}

Wait, I'm confused and need some more information

The MMF has your back! The information booth will be located in the lobby of the venue. The information booth will be the central check point for general questions, media check-ins, and the checkpoint for any lost children.

What is available outside?

If you are thinking about the outdoor space - we have lots available to our Citizens, including:

• The Central Registry Office (CRO) mobile unit
• Health and Wellness tent
• Energy, Infrastructure, and Resource Management (EIRM) tent
• Mini NA
• Red River Métis Marketplace
• CancerCare Manitoba BreastCheck

The CRO mobile unit will be available to Citizens throughout the weekend who need assistance with Citizenship services. To learn more about CRO ahead of time, check out the CRO page on the MMF website.

The Health and Wellness tent and the CancerCare Manitoba BreastCheck van will be available throughout the weekend to provide clinical services to Citizens in need. Services will be first come, first serve, so if you are interested, please take that into consideration.

EIRM will be located outside throughout the weekend to share information about the department's programs and initiatives. Citizens will also have the opportunity to receive free trees to plant.

The Red River Métis Marketplace will host a pop-up store throughout the weekend, offering Citizens the opportunity to purchase MMF-branded clothing and merchandise, as well as a wide selection of artisanal goods created by local Red River Métis makers.

Special events and activities

_{In addition to your democratic participation, the MMF will be offering a wide range of special events and activities throughout the weekend!}

What's on the third floor?

The MMF Tradeshow will be taking place throughout the weekend and will offer exclusive access to MMF Department and information booths, as well as sponsorship booths and Red River Métis vendors selling a wide variety of goods.

Honey, what do I do with my kids?

New this year: all Citizens must register their children for the Mini National Assembly (Mini NA) before Tuesday, October 13 at 4 p.m. If you would like to register your child for the weekend, click here.

Mini NA will be located in the outdoor section of the Assiniboia Downs for ages 0-12. Mini NA will provide an interactive space with Red River Métis games, crafts, performers, and Michif lessons. Please be advised you must pre-register your children ahead of time for them to be eligible to attend. Food will be provided for registered children throughout the weekend.

I brought pickles, what do I do with them?

Registration for the MMF Pickler Classic is a first come, first serve basis. Please do not bring unsolicited pickles. When your registration has been confirmed, we ask all participants to drop their sealed jar of homemade pickles at the MMF information booth before 4 p.m. on Friday, October 16.

I heard you got prizes...

Boy, do we ever! The Infinity Women Secretariat's Rainbow Auction will be taking place throughout the weekend, where all funds will go towards the Infinity Women Secretariat's Bereavement Fund. Prize donations can be dropped off in the Tradeshow area. All prizes will be drawn on Sunday, October 18. Citizens must be in attendance to claim their prize.

Saturday Night, Red River Métis style

On Saturday night, Citizens can enjoy the musical stylings of Red River Métis artists, dancers, and witness a Battle of the Fiddles - where talented Red River Métis fiddlers will go string to string. The lower level of the venue will host games for kids, as well as a rummy and cribbage tournament.

Are you feeling ready? Because we know we are!

_{To learn more, visit mmfna.ca and stay up to date on the MMF's Facebook and Instagram pages.}

As Red River Métis, we all know this event is more than a meeting; it is a living tradition. For one weekend, we come together as a community, reconnect with loved ones, celebrate our unique culture, and honour the successes of our Nation. Our democratic process is the fundamental engine of our Red River Métis Government and paves our future as a people, and as the National Government of the Red River Métis.

The MMF hopes this guide has you feeling prepared to attend this year's National Assembly, and we look forward to seeing you there!

 

---

View More