22 Advancements for the Red River Métis in 2022

January 12, 2023

This past year was monumental for the Red River Métis. In 2022, many Citizens went above and beyond to represent our Nation and achieve excellence, through academic accolades, musical milestones, athletes competing on the world stage, and more. While there are too many to count this year, we've chosen to spotlight 22 advancements for the Red River Métis in 2022:

22. Ocean Rayne Toews nabs President David Chartrand Scholarship

_{High school graduate Ocean Rayne Toews received this year's President David Chartrand Scholarship.}

High school graduate Ocean Rayne Toews received this year's President David Chartrand Scholarship. The Red River Métis Citizen is an avid volunteer who enjoys music and crocheting and is already working towards her Education Assistant Diploma with a plan to become an Early Childhood Educator. The President David Chartrand Education Scholarship is supported through the Children's Legacy Fund, which was established in 1984, when the Children's Aid Society closed. When it dissolved, the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre was one of several organizations to receive funds, which they used to create the Children's Legacy Fund to support Indigenous Youth as they further their education.

21. Red River Métis Youth leader makes national advisory council 

_{Justin Langan, Red River Métis Youth leader and mental health advocate, was recently added to the Natural Resources Canada's Youth Council.}

Justin Langan, Red River Métis Youth leader and mental health advocate, was recently added to the Natural Resources Canada's Youth Council. The Council is a place where the voices of young people in Canada inform Natural Resources Canada's work to deliver results on climate and resources management. The University of Manitoba political studies undergrad was also awarded the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award in 2022. The award program aims to honour the spirit of Terry Fox by celebrating Canadian Youth for their humanitarian efforts towards their communities. Langan has received numerous accolades for his engagement with Red River Métis Youth and his mental health advocacy, including a 2021 Indspire Award and a Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Award. He has sat on the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) Provincial Youth Advisory Committee and the Northwest Youth Advisory Committee.

20. U of M Associate Professor receives award

_{Provincial Education Minister Joan Ledoux and Associate Minister David Beaudin awarded David Parent with the MMF Distinguished Leadership Award in Education at the October 2022 Annual General Assembly.}

The MMF honoured David Parent, Assistant Professor in the Department of Indigenous Studies and History at the University of Manitoba, during the October 2022 Annual General Assembly. Provincial Education Minister Joan Ledoux and Associate Minister David Beaudin awarded Parent with the MMF Distinguished Leadership Award in Education during the Provincial Education report. The award is given to individuals who have made outstanding educational contributions for Red River Métis people.

19. Students prove the future is bright

_{Kyra De La Ronde made history at Red River College Polytechnic by being the first Red River Métis valedictorian in the institute's history.}

As the MMF works tirelessly to close the gap for education for the Red River Métis, students across the Nation excelled in their studies, with much to be proud of. Here are some of the Red River Métis students we spotlighted this year.

Cole Coughlin graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2022 with a joint honours degree in physics and computer science, and headed to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo. One of the most selective institutions in the world for physics, the school chooses around 25 students each year across the globe.

Sage Hartmann graduated from McMaster University, majoring in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour. She also received an interdisciplinary minor in Community Engagement and Indigenous Studies. Hartmann served as a general member and director of McMaster's Cooperative of Indigenous Students Studies & Alumni and received the President's Award of Student Excellence during her graduation.

Kyra De La Ronde made history at Red River College Polytechnic by being the first Red River Métis valedictorian in the institute's history. De La Ronde was a sponsored student through the MMF's Métis Employment and Training Department. She also previously served as the IWS representative for the MMF Regional Youth Advisory Committee within the Interlake Region and was Chairperson of the MMF Provincial Youth Advisory Committee.

18. Musicians shine in the spotlight

_{Teenage left-handed fiddle phenom Morgan Grace released her first album, titled Morgan Grace.}

With so much talent across the Homeland it was another landmark year for Red River Métis musicians. Teenage left-handed fiddle phenom Morgan Grace released her first album, titled Morgan Grace, and hosted a successful album launch party at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. On the heels her 2021 debut album, singer-songwriter Brandi Vezina released new singles in 2022, like "Gasoline," which was played on radio stations across Canada, including SiriusXM Radio Canada, and her hit song "Do It Right" featured on CBC Listen radio show Reclaimed. Vezina also received five MCMA nominations. Legendary fiddler Patti Kusturok was the committee chair of the 2022 Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championships, hosted in Winnipeg. Kusturok joined top Red River Métis fiddlers Garry Lepine and Oliver Boulette to showcase the Red River Métis style of playing.

17. Red River Métis Elder honoured with Manitoba Order of the Sash

_{Elder Grace Zoldy, a longtime Michif language advocate, was honoured with the Manitoba Order of the Sash award at the MMF's Annual General Assembly in March 2022 for her contributions to the Red River Métis Nation.}

Elder Grace Zoldy, from Camperville, Manitoba, was honoured with the Manitoba Order of the Sash award at the MMF's Annual General Assembly in March 2022 for her contributions to the Red River Métis Nation. The Red River Métis Elder is a longtime Michif language advocate, and the author of Li Livr Oche Michif Ayamiiyawina- The Book of Michif Prayers, the only book of ritual language written in Michif today. She is an Honorary Board Member for the Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Language Revitalization Circle.

16. Red River Métis artists on display at the Winnipeg Art Gallery

_{Winnipeg Art Gallery exhibit Kwaata-nihtaawakihk - A Hard Birth revealed the Métis Nation's involvement in the creation of Manitoba and the significance of the events of 1869-1870 in relation to current times.}

A Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) exhibit put the limelight on the Red River Métis Nation's role in the creation of the province. Titled Kwaata-nihtaawakihk - A Hard Birth, the exhibit revealed the Métis Nation's involvement in the creation of Manitoba and the significance of the events of 1869-1870 in relation to current times. The work of Métis co-curators - Sherry Farrell Racette, associate professor, department of visual arts, University of Regina, and Cathy Mattes, writer and associate professor in history of art at the University of Winnipeg - Kwaata-nihtaawakihk - A Hard Birth featured pieces from Métis, Indigenous, and non-Indigenous artists alongside some archival items. It was sponsored by the MMF and IWS and ran in the WAG from March 19 to September 5.

15. Wrestlers strive for excellence

_{St. Laurent's Anaka Chartrand (centre) had a fruitful 2022 by winning the Canadian 2022 Nationals, getting bronze at the Canadian Team Trials, and receiving a bronze medal at the 2022 Canadian Summer Games.}

A pair of Red River Métis athletes have been making names for themselves in the world of wrestling. St. Laurent's Anaka Chartrand had a fruitful 2022 by winning the Canadian 2022 Nationals, getting bronze at the Canadian Team Trials, and receiving a bronze medal at the 2022 Canadian Summer Games. Chartrand has also been selected for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games roster. Nineteen-year-old Connor Church also had an impeccable year in the sport. Church won gold at the Canadian National Wrestling Trials in Edmonton, and was one of 20 Canadians competing at the U20 Pan American Championship in Oaxtepec, Mexico, where he placed third. The wrestler also won a 2022 Tom Longboat Award, which recognizes Indigenous athletes for their outstanding contributions to sport in Canada.

14. Younger Brothers inducted into MCMA Hall of Fame

_{The Younger Brothers were inducted into the Manitoba Country Music Association's Hall of Fame in November 2022.
(Left to right): Red River Métis siblings Tom, Clint, Jim, and Keith Dutiaume.}

The Younger Brothers - Red River Métis siblings Clint, Tom, Keith, and Jim Dutiaume - were inducted into the Manitoba Country Music Association's (MCMA) Hall of Fame in November 2022. The MCMA Hall of Fame recognizes long-term contributions to the growth and development of country music in the province. An oft musical staple of MMF events - including The Beat Goes On, the MMF's free livestream concert series that was offered during the pandemic - the country music legends from Richer, Manitoba have played together and apart in a variation of bands and solo acts since the height of the Younger Brothers' success in the early '90s. Fiddler Clint Dutiaume has won the MCMA Manitoba Instrumentalist of the Year Award nine times, while brother Tom has been nominated for MCMA Guitar Player of the Year twice and has performed with country stars like Faith Hill.

Clint recently passed away. We extend our condolences to his entire family. He will be greatly missed.

13. Morgan Holmstrom gains traction on television

_{Actress Morgan Holmstrom was nominated for a Leo Award for Best Performance Female - Short Drama for her role in Shadow of the Rougarou.}

Red River Métis Citizen Morgan Holmstrom had a breakout year in the world of television. The young actress starred in Shadow of the Rougarou, a 19th-century Métis horror series that aired on APTN Lumi in 2022. The show follows Holmstrom's character as she returns to the cursed valley that was once her childhood home. Holmstrom was also a part of Skymed, a medical drama about nurses and pilots flying air ambulances in northern Manitoba, which aired in 2022 on CBC, CBS, and Paramount+. In May, the up-and-coming actress was nominated for a Leo Award for Best Performance Female - Short Drama for her role in Shadow of the Rougarou. The Leo Awards celebrate achievements in the British Columbia film and television industry.

12. Minister Campbell lauded with Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba's Celebrating Women Award

_{The Provincial Council of Women Manitoba commemorated Minister Anita Campbell, Spokeswoman of the Infinity Women Secretariat, with the Celebrating Women Award.}

The Provincial Council of Women Manitoba (PCMW) commemorated Minister Anita Campbell, Spokeswoman of the Infinity Women Secretariat (IWS), with the Celebrating Women Award. The award showcases the diverse ways women impact the communities and people around them and was handed out at the PCMW's 14th Annual Celebrating Women Gala in November 2022. The PCMW is a coalition of Manitoba organizations and individuals dedicated to acting in the public interest for the welfare of women, families, and society. Minister Campbell, who also holds the portfolios of Finance and Human Resources, was awarded the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General of Canada in 2017 for her work to deliver vital services and programs to Métis women. IWS works to connect and empower Red River Métis women through cultural, social, and economic programs, community engagement, advocacy, leadership, and governance development. The non-profit celebrates 10 years of Métis sisterhood this year.

11. Minister Anderson's Métis Music Van enshrined in a mural

_{This year, Minister Alfred Anderson's Métis Music Van was enshrined in Selkirk history via a mural.}

This year, Minister Alfred Anderson's Métis Music Van was enshrined in Selkirk history via a mural. Alfred Anderson, Minister of Culture and Heritage and Vice-President of the Interlake Region, has driven around Selkirk bringing Métis music to the people since the pandemic. The Van has gained recognition from news outlets such as CBC, CTV, and APTN, and Minister Anderson has received numerous awards both in the province and nationally. The mural, located at the corner of Robinson and Main Street in Selkirk, depicts dancers with traditional instruments like a bagpipe, accordion, and fiddle, while Minister Anderson himself is the focal point, driving the Métis Music Van, decorated in Métis regalia with the music notes encompassing him. The mural was conceived by the Interlake Art Board and designed by local artist Ashley Christiansen.

10. Citizens awarded Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal

_{Red River Métis Citizen Melissa Brown was one of 1,000 Manitobans honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.}

Three Red River Métis Citizens received a prestigious award from the Government of Manitoba: the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. The award is given out to individuals who: are a resident of Manitoba or have a link to Manitoba; have made a contribution to Canada, Manitoba, or a particular region or community; and were alive during the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the throne. Red River Métis winners of the award included: Frances Chartrand, Minister of Health and Early Learning Child Care, and Vice-President of the Northwest Métis Council; Elder Barbara Bruce; and Melissa Brown, manager of community programming with the Louis Riel School Division's René Deleurme Centre. Lieutenant Governor Anita Neville and Premier Heather Stefanson handed out the medals during the ceremonies.

9. Red River Métis athletes lead Team Manitoba to National Aboriginal Hockey Championship gold

_{Fifteen of the 20 players on female Team Manitoba were Métis, supported by the MMF's Believe Athletic and Artistic Support Program.}

The female Team Manitoba remained undefeated at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Membertou, Nova Scotia, in 2022 and captured the gold medal. Fifteen of the 20 players on the roster were Red River Métis, supported by the MMF's Believe Athletic and Artistic Support Program:

Julianna Herman
Oceane Asham
Linnea Misner
Phoenix Parisian-Freis
Sophia Anderson
Anya Misner
Kali Hilderman
Dana Goertzen
Kenady Christensen
Tyla Turnbull
Breigh Rank
Madison Haliuk
Ella Stewner
Jenna Goertzen
Avery LeBleu

Team Manitoba found themselves down 2-0 during the gold medal match going into the third period, but scored three unanswered goals to capture the gold.

8. President Chartrand receives India Canada Culture & Heritage Association Lifetime Achievement Award

_{President Chartrand was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the India Canada Culture & Heritage Association at their 2022 annual gala in October.}

MMF President David Chartrand was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the India Canada Culture & Heritage Association (ICCHA) at their 2022 annual gala in October. During his acceptance speech, President Chartrand spoke about the importance of minorities working together to help build a stronger Canada and a better world. The ICCHA's Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have achieved distinction in their profession and service to the community, the nation, and the world.

7. Red River Métis rugby player represents Team Canada

_{Rugby star Emily Tuttosi was one of 32 athletes selected to represent Canada in the Rugby World Cup 2021,
hosted in New Zealand. Photo credit: Rugby Canada/Kevin Light.}

Rugby star Emily Tuttosi was one of 32 athletes selected to represent Canada in the Rugby World Cup 2021, hosted in New Zealand. The tournament took place in 2022 due to the pandemic. Although Canada placed fourth, Tuttosi would score six tries, including a hat trick against Japan during the tournament. The Red River Métis player was also selected to the 2022 World Rugby Women's 15s Dream Team of the Year, a prestigious honour voted on by a panel of international past players and coaches, World Rugby Hall of Fame inductees, and rugby media. Tuttosi currently plays for the Exeter Chiefs Women's Rugby Squad in England.

6. Minister LaPlante recognized by alma mater and named Paul Harris Fellow

_{Earlier in 2022, Minister LaPlante was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Brandon Sunset for her kindness, intellect, modesty, and fortitude.}

Leah LaPlante, Minister of Citizenship and Natural Resources, received an honorary diploma in Community Development from Assiniboine Community College in October 2022. She was previously enrolled in the college's Journeyman Cook program. Assiniboine awards honorary diplomas to individuals who demonstrate high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized. Known as a trailblazer, political leader, and role model in the Brandon community, Minister LaPlante has worked tirelessly to promote and preserve Métis culture and heritage since she moved to the Wheat City in 1997. She has been Vice-President of the MMF's Southwest Region for over 25 years and serves on many boards in the Brandon area. This honorary diploma expands the list of notable achievements Minister LaPlante has received for her community work. Other awards she holds include the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal for her lifelong commitment to representing her Nation and the Women of Distinction award for her cultural leadership and benevolent community service. Earlier in 2022, Minister LaPlante was also named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Brandon Sunset for her kindness, intellect, modesty, and fortitude.

5. President Chartrand receives accolades in Colombia

_{President David Chartrand officially cuts the ribbon to the David Chartrand Executive Centre located in Pueblo Bello, Colombia.}

In October, President Chartrand was honoured in Colombia after a newly constructed building was dedicated to him. The David Chartrand Executive Centre is located in Pueblo Bello, Colombia. The people of Arhuaco, an Indigenous Nation in Colombia, named the centre after President Chartrand for his efforts to support Indigenous businesses, provide humanitarian aid, and promote Nation-to-Nation fair trade. While in Colombia, President Chartrand also received the Lanza Llanera Order of Democracy, given to individuals who contribute to the community and support the socioeconomic development and cultural advancement of Colombia's people. President Chartrand made history by being the first individual outside of Colombia to receive this award. The award was presented by the President of Meta's Department Assembly, José Manuel Sandoval Garzón - an Indigenous leader within the Colombian government.

4. Kerri Einarson continues curling dominance

_{MMF-sponsored Team Kerri Einarson won their third consecutive Scotties Tournament of Hearts, becoming the fourth team to ever do so. (Left to right): Kerri Einarson, skip; Val Sweeting, third; Shannon Birchard, second; Briane Harris, lead.}_{Photo credit: Curling Canada/Michael Burns.}

Red River Métis curler Kerri Einarson celebrated another successful year as she continued to prove her legacy as one of the world's best curlers. With her teammates - Val Sweeting, Shannon Birchard, and Briane Harris - Einarson won her third consecutive Scotties Tournament of Hearts, becoming the fourth team to ever do so. MMF-sponsored Team Kerri Einarson also picked up a pair of bronze medals at the World Curling Championships and the Pan Continental Curling Championships. In addition, Einarson would prove victorious at the Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling event by winning the KIOTI Tractor Champions Cup 2022.

3. Canada Post unveils stamp to commemorate Métis leader Harry Daniels

_{Canada Post issued a set of stamps in 2022 to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day, including one of Métis leader Harry Daniels. Daniels' widow, Cheryl Storkson, and Minister Will Goodon posed for a photo during a ceremony to unveil the stamp.}

Canada Post released a set of stamps on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day. One of the stamps featured Métis leader Harry Daniels, a politician, activist, writer, and actor. Daniels was elected secretary-treasurer of the Native Council of Canada (now Congress of Aboriginal Peoples) in 1974 and held the titles of President and Chief Executive Officer. The Métis leader was instrumental in ensuring Métis rights were enshrined in the Constitution Act, 1982 and was key in the 2016 Daniels v. Canada decision to determine the federal government's responsibility to Métis and non-status Indians. Daniels has received degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Carleton University, and the University of Ottawa (honorary doctorate). He also taught Métis history at the University of Saskatchewan and wrote many papers and books about Métis and Indigenous rights before he passed away in 2004.

2. Jocelyne Larocque strikes gold at 2022 Winter Olympics

_{Hockey player Jocelyne Larocque appeared in her third Winter Olympics in Beijing, China and helped Canada secure the gold medal after a 3-2 victory against the United States.}

It was a big year for hockey player Jocelyne Larocque, who has played in many of women's hockey's recent biggest events. Larocque appeared in her third Winter Olympics in Beijing, China and helped Canada secure the gold medal after a 3-2 victory against the United States. Larocque was also named to the Canadian roster that competed in the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship, where Canada would defeat the United States 2-1 to take home the gold. Larocque currently plays for team adidas as part of the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association's 2022/2023 Secret Dream Gap Tour.

1. Red River Métis Nation honoured with collectible coin

_{MMF Cabinet members were on hand in August to celebrate the unveiling of a new Royal Canadian Mint coin honouring the Red River Métis. The coin, in the Mint's "Generations" series, tells the story of the Red River Métis through the intricate beadwork patterns of Red River Métis artist Jennine Krauchi.}

World-renowned Red River Métis artist Jennine Krauchi's work was on display as the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a coin during a ceremony on August 2, 2022, to honour the Red River Métis. The coin features intricate floral beadwork - the signature artwork of Red River Métis history, identity, and culture - which always tells a story. The flames represent a period of loss and repression for the Nation, while the beaded prairie rose in the centre of the coin signifies survival and revival of our nationhood. Below the prairie rose is an infinity symbol, which represents the Nation's eternal and unbreakable spirit. The coin also includes the Michif words Taapweeyimisho and Taapweeyimik lii Michif, which translates to "believe in yourself" and "believe in Métis." At the base are the Michif words, La Rivyeer Rooz, which means Red River, to pay homage to the Red River Métis Homeland and ancestry. The coin is 99.99 per cent pure silver, and only 5,000 of them were minted.