MMF outraged at defacement of Louis Riel's gravesite

October 20, 2022

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, expresses its outrage at the defacement of Louis Riel's gravesite.

"This deliberate, targeted attack and the complete disrespect shown to Louis Riel as the historic leader of the Red River Métis, the founder of Manitoba and its first premier, is appalling," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "This is not just offensive to our Nation, it is an insult to all Manitobans, and should be treated as such. It is made worse by the fact that this was done just days before the anniversary of Riel's birth."

First reported on social media by a vigilant witness, the defacing took place the afternoon of Monday, October 17. The MMF, as the direct inheritors of John Bruce and Louis Riel's provisional government, the National Committee of the Red River Métis, takes the care and maintenance of our great leader's gravesite seriously, and has filed a police report.

"We will take all steps necessary to remedy the defacement committed by the individual or individuals who were so disrespectful to this great man's legacy," said President Chartrand. "Louis Riel and his legacy are of vital importance to the history of our Nation. It is deeply disturbing that someone would do this to Riel's final resting place, a site of many pilgrimages by our Citizens and others who wish to honour his contributions to Canada's confederation. It's like a knife to the heart of our Nation. I can assure you, we will seek justice for this terrible insult."

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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 origin and core of the Métis Nation. The Red River Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

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

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