National Government of the Red River Métis honours Indigenous Veterans in ceremony

November 8, 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, held a ceremony at the Royal Canadian Aviation Museum of Western Canada in honour of our Red River Métis Veterans and all Veterans.

"The Red River Métis have always been proud Canadians and patriots," said Shawn Nault, Minister for Veterans. "This patriotism and loyalty are deeply rooted in our Nation. It is what encouraged thousands of Métis from across the Homeland to enlist and proudly serve in Canada's military".

Established in Manitoba in 1994, November 8th is the day Canada honours Indigenous Veterans, for their legacy and the sacrifices they made for the rights we have today.

The event began at 11:00AM with a flyby and March of the Colours along with other traditional remembrance protocols. These events allow us honour and show appreciation to our veterans and their families.

On Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour the sacrifices of the young men and women who fought for our country, when at the time the country was not fighting for them. Today, we recognize the families who watched their children go overseas to join the war efforts, knowing that some would not come home at all.

The Red River Métis started defending our rights in 1816 and continued until 1885, when we fought the last battle of the Northwest Resistance at Batoche. Those who gave their lives during these early battles also deserve recognition as war veterans, and as champions of democracy.

"Today, on Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour our veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live in country where our rights and freedoms are protected," said Minister Nault. "These are our heroes - today, tomorrow and forever."

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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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