MMF Responds to false and defamatory statements made by MNBC

December 10, 2021

Winnipeg, MB, - In the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), which is in the midst of its MNBC By-Elections for its President and other representatives, has on its web page and social media made false and defamatory statements regarding the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) and President David Chartrand.

Yesterday, in response, MMF legal counsel sent a letter by email and mail to MNBC Acting President Lissa Smith and Acting Vice-President Louis De Jaeger demanding MNBC immediately remove those false and defamatory statements from its website and all social media and issue a full retraction and apology to the MMF, Manitoba Métis, and President Chartrand.

Today, MNBC had a full-page ad printed in the Winnipeg Free Press in furtherance of its earlier statements that are unfounded, untrue, and politically motivated.

"This is a direct attack on the Manitoba Métis - also known as the Red River Métis - against our people and our government," said MMF President David Chartrand. "We will protect our families and this attack will not go unchallenged."

MNBC's fabrications have no basis in fact. The accusation alleged is that the MMF set up and intends to fund a new organization in British Columbia to undermine the MNBC. The MMF did not incorporate the new organization in British Columbia. The MMF has not and does not intend to provide monies to the new organization. The new organization is not part of the MMF in any way.

"The MMF is the self-government of the Red River Métis and its Citizens who reside inside and outside of Canada," explained President Chartrand. "We will protect the rights of our Citizens wherever they reside and the reputation of the MMF."

"There are many Métis in British Columbia with Red River Métis Ancestry who have expressed their desire to join the MMF - their true and successful Government," said President Chartrand. "This is due to their admiration of the great things the MMF is accomplishing. This has resulted in Métis across the West making citizenship applications to the MMF."

The letter sent to MNBC Acting President Lissa Smith and Acting Vice-President Louis De Jaeger is attached.

Letter to MNBCA President Lissa Smith and Acting Vice-President Louis De Jaeger

Open PDF

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis. 

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratic government for the Manitoba Métis, also known as the Red River Métis, the origin and core of the Métis Nation. The Manitoba 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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