MMF Hosts Victory of Frog Plains Commemoration Ceremony

June 19, 2020

Winnipeg, MB - Today, the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is hosting a community barbecue and commemoration ceremony on the 204^th anniversary of the Metis Nation's Victory at Frog Plain. The barbecue will take place at the Seven Oaks House Museum, while the commemoration ceremony will be held at the Seven Oaks Monument.

"We honour those that have lost their lives, and at the time, instructions were based by different leaders for different purposes," said MMF President and Métis National Council Spokesperson David Chartrand. "Their lives were lost on these very grounds. We send prayers to themselves and to their families on behalf of the nation."

On June 19, 1816, as a result of rising tensions between rival fur trade companies in the Red River area, a battle ensued where Metis leader Cuthbert Grant decidedly defeated Robert Semple and the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) men. Grant and his men were confronted on their way to deliver pemmican and much-needed supplies to men waiting on Lake Winnipeg. Semple attempted to use his power to detain Grant and his men as well as confiscate their supplies. At this pivotal moment in history, Grant decided to stand up for the people of the new Metis Nation living at Red River against colonial oppression.

"Every day is a chance to celebrate our Metis victories, but June 19 is a day to honour the Metis Nation's first leaders and pioneers who sacrificed so much for the best future possible for our Nation," said David Chartrand. "They stood up for our future and it's crucial we do our best to honour the brave souls."

For many years, the battle was called 'the Massacre of Seven Oaks', then later the name was changed to the 'Battle of Seven Oaks.' The Metis people of that time called it the Victory of the Frog Plain or la Victoire de la Grenouillère. This battle was a significant victory for the Metis as Grant declared la nouvelle nation, the new nation, and he flew the flag of the Metis nation for the first time.

"Nationhood is something that came out of this battle," said Minister Goodon. "This is the first time we went into battle as a people, and it was the first time we won in battle as a people. It was a decisive victory."

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is the official democratic and self-governing political representative for the Métis Nation's Manitoba Métis Community. The Manitoba Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partner in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

For media information, please contact:
Marci Riel
Manitoba Metis Federation
Cell: 204-619-1228
Email: marci.riel@mmf.mb.ca
www.mmf.mb.ca

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