MMF hosts 4th annual Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony

November 8, 2025

Lac du Bonnet, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), National Government of the Red River Métis, led by the Red River Métis Veterans Department, hosted its 4th annual Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony in honour of our Red River Métis Veterans, including both the legacy of those who have fallen and those who continue to volunteer to serve our country with pride.

Hosted at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #164 in Lac du Bonnet, the ceremony included a flypast from the Royal Canadian Air Force, a colour party, Red River Métis music and Youth jiggers from Kinew Local. Following the ceremony, the department premiered a short documentary about Lawrence LaLiberté, a WWII Veteran who fought in the European theatre of war.

"As a Veteran, I know that every person who volunteers for service does so with the understanding that they may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of others," said Shawn Nault, MMF Minister for Red River Métis Veterans. "When an individual makes the commitment to serve, their family is also called upon to make sacrifices in support of their loved one. This is not an easy path, but it shows the valour and heart of all Indigenous people who choose it, including Red River Métis Veterans."

Manitoba was the first province to recognize Indigenous Veterans as a distinct group of Veterans on November 8th in 1994. The province has continued to advance the importance of this day through the recent passing of Bill 210, The Indigenous Veterans Day Act, meaning that 2025 will mark the first time provincially that November 8th will officially be recognized.

Red River Métis Veterans have often been unfairly treated both within and following their service, particularly in WWII, when Métis Veterans were not afforded the same services or supports that other Veterans were promised.

While First Nations received their well-deserved apology from Canada in 2002 for the treatment of their Veterans, Red River Métis Veterans did not receive their apology until 2019, after decades of advocacy from David Chartrand, President of the MMF.

"Indigenous Veterans Day is not a second Remembrance Day, it is a day where we reflect on the experiences of Indigenous Veterans, whose contributions are as distinct as the Nations they come from," said Minister Nault. "Our Red River Métis Veterans were sharpshooters and trackers, who stood up to protect Canadian values, often at times when Canada was actively ignoring their existence. The Red River Métis have come a long way, and we simply could not have made these advancements without the strength and persistence of our Veterans. On behalf of the Red River Métis Government, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one."

Our Veterans remain our heroes - yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

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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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