MMF honours award recipients at inaugural Red River Métis Business Excellence Awards Gala

May 31, 2024

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Last night, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, was proud to honour recipients of our inaugural Red River Métis Business Excellence Awards. The recipients were announced at the first annual awards gala last night.

"Red River Métis business owners and entrepreneurs play a crucial role in advancing the financial well-being of our families, as well as the villages, towns and cities they call home," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "Through the economic spinoffs generated by successful Red River Métis businesses, both large and small, our business community benefits all Canadians, particularly here in the Prairie provinces of our Homeland. We're proud to continue supporting our Citizen business owners and entrepreneurs every step of the way, as we have for decades, and it's incredible to gather and celebrate their achievements.

The award recipients, as carefully and thoughtfully selected by a group of their peers in the Red River Métis business community, are:

• Traditional Economies Award - CM Yard Care & Firewood, Curtis Mayer
• Young Entrepreneur Award - CatEyeStrophic Inc. Kelsey Gillespie
• Sustainable Economy Award - Anne Mulaire, Andreanne Dandeneau
• Infinity Women Spokeswoman's Award - Métis Branded, Casandra Woolever
• President's Lifetime Achievement Award - Bob Penwarden

Along with celebrating their achievements, the MMF provides equity financing to Red River Métis businesses and entrepreneurs, and opportunities through our procurement process. The MMF has also established the Red River Métis Business Development Corporation and the Red River Métis Business Association, to connect our Citizen entrepreneurs across diverse sectors and locations of operations. The MMF continues to expand services and supports to our business community, guided by our advisory group and ongoing dialogue with business owners. To date, there are 700 businesses registered and verified in our directory, with more joining every day.

"On behalf of the Nation, MMF Cabinet Members and our community, we congratulate the award recipients, as well as all those who were nominated," said President Chartrand. "It was an event to be proud of, and it was great to see family, friends and community come out to support our award nominees and recipients. There can be no doubt that we have a highly engaged and optimistic business community, deeply rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit that is a hallmark of our culture and Nation. Our business community continues to rev our economic engine, secure in the knowledge that their Red River Métis Government has their backs - always."

More information about the Business Excellence Awards and recipients can be found here: www.rrmbdc.ca/news/mmf-announces-awards-gala-winners

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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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