Red River Métis congratulate all Federal Cabinet ministers; thank Marc Miller, welcome Gary Anandasangaree

July 26, 2023

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, congratulates all new Federal Ministers appointed to Cabinet. The MMF especially thanks the Honourable Marc Miller for his partnership during his tenure as Minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations. We look forward to building on this relationship with the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, the new Minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations.

"This is an important time in the history of the Red River Métis, as we have been working closely with Canada to develop, pass and ratify our modern-day treaty," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "I have had the pleasure of spending time with Minister Anandasangaree on many occasions in the past and look forward to engaging him on this and other matters of importance to the Red River Métis."

The Red River Métis modern-day treaty was ratified by Citizens at an Extraordinary General Assembly in June, through a unanimous vote across the main location and all satellite locations. The treaty is expected to be introduced to the House of Commons this fall where once passed, it will formally become part of the Constitution of Canada.

"We remain confident that our modern-day treaty remains a priority for Canada, and they will meet their obligation to ratify this treaty under the leadership of Minister Anandasangaree," said President Chartrand. "I anticipate that the Minister will be very quick to call a meeting with our government, so we can end the decades-long wait and move our historic treaty forward. Building on the relationships we have developed with Ministers who have occupied this position, I believe we will right the historic wrong and reward the decades of hard work that have gone into this treaty."

The ratification of our modern-day treaty is just one example of the many successes that have come from a strong Nation-to-Nation, government-to-government relationship between Canada and the National Government of the Red River Métis.

"As President, I thank the Prime Minister for the mandate he provides to his Crown-Indigenous Relations Ministers and I look forward to continuing the work accomplished by our respective governments that has brought us to this place," said President Chartrand. "Together, we will build on previous successes, like the creation of an economic development infrastructure to support our entrepreneurial spirit and the establishment of a successful housing program - one that has benefitted more than 900 Red River Métis families as they obtained homes with a total value over $183.3 million and generated economic spin-offs of over $42.8 million in only two years. We look forward to an expanded pathway to job creation, as well as the stability and safety of our children and families. There is no doubt in my mind that together, we will make history."

-30- 

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 historic Métis Nation. The Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous People and 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

View More