President Chartrand receives Lanza Llanera Order of Democracy from Colombia's Assembly of Meta Department

October 26, 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, thanks the Assembly of Meta of Colombia for awarding David Chartrand, President of the MMF, with the Orden de la Democracia Lanza Llaner - the Lanza Llanera Order of Democracy, given to individuals who contribute to the community and support the socio-economic development and cultural advancement of Colombia's people. This is the first time in history that this has been awarded to someone who resides outside of Colombia.

"I am honoured by this recognition, which is really recognition for our Nation," said President Chartrand. "We have always been a people who share what we have and help other Indigenous peoples who encounter barriers to achieving their greatest potential. We are a people who value creating lasting relationships with other nations. Indigenous Nations must work together on the global stage in order to advance ourselves and ensure that no one is left behind."

MMF dignitaries, including President Chartrand, are currently in Villavicencio, where the 13th WBIF World Indigenous Business Forum is taking place from October 26 to 29, 2022. This event is of great importance at the international level, which sees large delegations of Indigenous communities meeting to discuss trade and business ventures and creating partnerships, with the success of Indigenous peoples in mind.

The MMF delegation has been working closely and travelling with Erik Rojas and Hilton Gutiérrez of Ancestry and Development (A&D) - a Colombian corporation which serves as an economic, social, and development platform to connect Indigenous producers of goods and services in Colombia with international markets through Indigenous and non-Indigenous business networks. The MMF is grateful for A&D and its assistance and support.

President Chartrand was nominated for the award by the Meta's Assembly President, José Manuel Sandoval Garzón. The President stated that President Chartrand is "noted for his leadership through the organization Ancestry and Development, where he has managed to improve the living conditions of the Indigenous communities of Colombia. He has also been an inspiration for international fair-trade relationships in agricultural production, ancestral wisdom and medicines, among other aspects, and for helping position Colombia as a great promoter in the defense of the Eastern Plains and the Amazon as regions of life and well-being for Indigenous communities."

"I believe the pathway forward for all Indigenous Nations is supporting each other through economic partnership, like the ones we are forming with Colombia and the Indigenous communities who call it home," said President Chartrand. "Prosperity opens up so many other doorways, to education, cultural preservation, long-term sustainability and strength. I look forward to continuing this relationship and seeing it grow."

 

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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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