MMF AGA kicks off with record breaking attendance, jam-packed agenda

October 17, 2025

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis officially kicked off its 2025 Annual General Assembly at the Assiniboia Downs. The event, which has already seen record-breaking registration in the thousands, is the largest Assembly ever held by the National Government of the Red River Métis and one of the largest Indigenous gatherings in Canada.

"The massive number of attendees speaks to the pride of our Citizens in our achievements, as well as their interest in hearing more about our progress and advancements over this year," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "There is no doubt that the Red River Métis are a Nation rising up, as we continue to seek our rightful place in Canada's Confederation."

There are many important events and reports for Citizens to witness, including a dignitary packed opening ceremony on Saturday morning. Citizens can also choose from a host of other activities to engage in, including a tradeshow that spans an entire floor of the Assiniboia Downs, a $50,000 Monster Bingo on Friday evening that is open to the public, and a night of family fun on Saturday evening, which will include a musical tribute to late musician and proud Red River Métis Citizen, Al Desjarlais.

Friday will see Local executives - the grassroots leadership of the Red River Métis Government - hear an interim report from the ongoing consultation to refine the roles and responsibilities of all Local leaders. The President's State of the Nation address is an annual highlight, taking place on Saturday morning, followed by Red River Métis Cabinet Ministers providing updates on their respective portfolios. Sunday is reserved for the Assembly to deliberate on resolutions that will shape the future of the MMF.

"The Annual General Assembly of the Red River Métis is an event like no other," said President Chartrand. "It is a labour of love for the MMF staff and Cabinet, and it is the gift we give to our Citizens every year, to honour and thank them for their active participation, and to create a platform where they can provide us with their guidance on the future. As big as the Assembly is, it also feels like coming home, where loved ones gather to hug, laugh, cry and let our passion for our Nation run free. Louis Riel could never have imagined the strength of his people today, but there's no doubt he's smiling as he looks down upon our Assembly, confident that we are abiding by his heartfelt wish that we remain Métis and become more Métis than ever."

Members of the media can find the full agenda and event details for this year's AGA, along with other information for media on the MMF's AGA website, or through this link: https://mmfaga.ca/documents

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For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis. The Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous Nation and People and Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

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