Manitoba Metis Federation

This summer has truly been a season to celebrate with all of the numerous cultural events throughout Manitoba and the Homeland to honour the Year of the Metis Nation. Despite this being a time for many of us to enjoy outdoors with our families, there continues to be much activity within your Metis Government including recent announcements that directly relate to the health of our people.

The recent joint announcement with Canada and Manitoba to train more Metis people to receive training in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program is a positive sign that will not only assist Metis families with employment but will also give back to our communities through the delivery of culturally appropriate services.

Earlier this summer, the joint study between the University of Manitoba and MMF pointed towards the dire situation we find ourselves in regarding the overall health of our people. Alarming figures for diabetes, arthritis, teen pregnancy and many more health issues were presented for the first time. We have always known that the health status of our people lagged behind the rest of the Manitoba population but now we know without a doubt, as these study numbers are irrefutable.

Though Metis Citizens pay taxes and should be eligible to receive equitable services, it appears that our people are once again falling through the cracks of the safety net. I assure you that the MMF is demanding to meet with federal and provincial ministers to address this situation before our parents, grandparents and children become numbers on a statistical data sheet. It is not tolerable in the year 2010 that our Elders with diabetes are more prone to losing a limb or that our young people are more likely to see suicide as an option.

We have traveled a long and hard journey as a people and it appears that we must continue the fight for our true and historic place in this country we helped to found. I urge you to join with us at our assembly in September in Brandon and tell the federal and provincial governments that the Metis Nation deserves much more respect than has been given to us in the past. In issues of health care, justice, economic development, education and training, to name a few, we are many strides from where we were a few short years ago, but we must continue the battle to ensure that our Elders, young people and families enjoy the same opportunities that are available to all Canadians.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you at our assembly and know that, once again, Manitoba will showcase to the country the most dynamic and impressive Metis assembly anywhere. To our Elders and our Veterans, I say thank you for the work and sacrifices you have made to get us to where we are. To our young people and children, I hope you respect the choices made by those who have come before. And to our families, I thank you for never doubting that the Metis Nation would grow strong once again.

Believe in yourself – believe in Metis!

Meeqwetch,

President David Chartrand