Manitoba Metis Federation

David Chartrand is an exemplary Metis citizen committed to public service and the development of the Metis Nation. He has humbly served the Manitoba Metis and, indeed, the Metis people throughout the Metis Nation Homeland for over 20 years.

In 1988, David was elected to the Manitoba Metis Federation board of directors and was re-elected four successive times as a regional board member. He was appointed acting president in 1996 and, in 1997, was elected president. The Metis Peoples’ confidence in his leadership has resulted in his re-election as president to an unprecedented fourth consecutive term, making him the longest-serving president of the MMF.

Under his leadership, the Metis Nation’s Manitoba Metis community has seen tremendous growth in capacity, programs and services and self-government capabilities, and it has achieved unprecedented movement towards the recognition of Metis land claims and harvesting rights. Through his role as a governor on the board of the Metis National Council, he has also held numerous national ministerial portfolios, including those of vice-president of the MNC and minister of Metis veterans, health, finance and social development.

David was born and raised in the small Metis community of Duck Bay, Manitoba. He is the fourth child in a family of eight and was raised by his single mother, Martha Chartrand. David credits his mother for ensuring he was taught that there is nothing more important than family and that a sense of community is the cornerstone of Metis nationhood. David and his partner, Glorian Yakiwchuk, are very proud of their family, Sonya, John and Christopher, and are the proud grandparents of Trayden, Isaiah, Martha and Ronald.

David’s leadership and sacrifice has led to the resurgence of the Metis Nation. He has enhanced the MMF’s credibility, stability and strength under his administration and is one of the strongest diplomats the Metis Nation has been privileged to call president.