Harvesters

Email: harvest@mmf.mb.ca
Minister: Peter Fleming

Red River Métis Harvesters must validate their MMF Harvester Card annually by purchasing the current year's Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) sticker and big-game tags on or after April 1.

Harvesters are required to complete the mandatory MMF Harvester Survey prior to receiving the new season's CTF sticker and big-game tags. The survey is important to help manage resources, monitor harvesting activity, and increase conservation efforts throughout the province.

How to order CTF Tags (Online)

You can apply online using the online ordering form which will allow you to receive a temporary CTF confirmation form the day of, allowing you to Harvest fish, game birds, and small game and gather, until your sticker arrives in the mail along with your Big-Game Tags, if ordered.

1. Complete the MMF Online Harvester Survey (https://cro.mmf.mb.ca/harvester-survey)
2. Complete Online CTF Tag Request Form
3. Payment of $25.00 (Credit Card/Visa Debit)

You will then be emailed with your temporary CTF confirmation receipt to use in the interim while your Regional Office mails out your CTF sticker and Big-Game Tags, if ordered.

How to order CTF Tags (mail/in person)

1. Complete MMF Harvester Survey
2. Complete CTF Tag Request Form
3. Payment of $25.00 (cash or money order addressed to The Manitoba Métis Federation)

After documentation validation, your CTF Tag's will be mailed out to you.

Harvester Forms

• 2024/25 Harvester Survey
• 2025/26 CTF/Tag Request Form
• Recognized Areas for Harvesting Map
• Harvester Permission Slip
• Métis Laws of Harvest

If you would like additional information regarding the MMF's Citizenship/Harvester Application Form, MMF Harvester Cards, or CTF Tags Request Forms, please contact your Regional office.

For questions concerning the Métis Laws of the Harvest or harvesting regulations, you may contact Connor Staub, Senior Policy Analyst - Energy, Infrastructure and Resource Management, by phone at (204) 586-8474 or by email at connor.staub@mmf.mb.ca.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To assist you in understanding MMF Citizenship and how to apply for your Citizenship Cards, we have prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions. To view the answers, simply click on the topic of interest to you.

Who are the Red River Métis?

As ratified at the October 20, 2024 Annual General Assembly, Article IV of the MMF Constitution defines "Métis" as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

"Red River Métis" means the Indigenous collectivity, also known as the Manitoba Métis, that:

(a) is a distinct Indigenous people historically known as the Red River Métis, the Manitoba Métis, the New Nation, or la Nouvelle Nation, a vibrant Indigenous collectivity that was established with its own identity, language, culture, institutions, and way of life within the historic Northwest and centred in the Red River Valley, and whose Citizens and individuals entitled to become Citizens are today located within what is now Manitoba as well as elsewhere inside and outside of Canada,

(b) is not a part of any other Indigenous collectivity,

(c) collectively holds the right to self-determination recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and

(d) collectively holds the rights referred to in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and the rights and freedoms referred to in section 25 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that are derived from those of the Red River Métis, including the inherent right of self-government;

"Red River Métis Citizen" means a Citizen or Child Citizen, as the case may be, who:

(a) self-identifies as Red River Métis;

(b) is of historic Red River Métis Ancestry;

(c) is distinct from other Aboriginal Peoples; and

(d) is accepted by the Red River Métis as determined by Red River Métis law;

"Red River Métis Ancestry" means a demonstrable connection to the historic Red River Métis whose traditional territory is the Red River Métis Homeland; and

"Red River Métis Homeland" means the area of land within the historic Northwest centered in the Red River Valley as used and occupied as the traditional territory of the Red River Métis.

How do I apply for Citizenship?

The MMF has developed an "objectively verifiable process" to identify both a Red River Métis Citizen and a Red River Métis Harvester. As part of this process the applicant must:

• Self-identify as Red River Métis
• Show an ancestral connection to the Historic Red River Métis Community
• Be accepted by the contemporary Manitoba Red River Métis Community

Application Checklist

• Completed Application Form
• Copy of Birth Certificate or Baptismal Certificate with parents' names listed
• Genealogy completed by the St. Boniface Historical Society
  • If using a relative's genealogy who is currently with the MMF database, you will have to provide their first name, last name, and date of birth.
  • Name change documents may be required if your birth name has changed, (i.e. marriage certificate).
• Photocopy of government-issued identification
• Passport quality photo
• Application payment
  • (In person/mail: cash or money order addressed to the Manitoba Métis Federation)
  • (Online: credit card/Visa debit)
• Signature will be required for the Online Application Form (JPEG)

Citizenship-Harvester Application Form

MMF CRO Online Application: cro.mmf.mb.ca/apply

Should you have questions or concerns, please contact your Regional Office, or the CRO at MMF Home Office at 204-586-8474.

Where can I get my genealogy completed that proves my Red River Métis Ancestry?

Applicants must provide an official genealogy completed by the St. Boniface Historical Society that demonstrates a connection to the historic Red River Métis Homeland. Information about the St. Boniface Historical Society and how to order a genealogy can be found on their website: https://shsb.mb.ca/genealogie

Applicants may submit the genealogy of a relative when applying, but must also provide all necessary supporting documentation to demonstrate a direct connection to a relative listed on the genealogy. If an applicant does not have a genealogy and intends to utilize the genealogy of a relative that is already on file with the CRO, please contact the office regarding availability and any additional documentation that may be required for its use at 204-586-8474 or Citizenship@mmf.mb.ca.

Can I use an official genealogy of a family member?

Yes. You may use a genealogy of a family member if they have confirmed for other members from their family to utilize their documentation.

For example, if you use your aunt's genealogy, you must have the birth or baptismal certificate of your parent who is related to your aunt showing the same parents as on your aunt's genealogy. You must also have your birth or baptismal certificate with your parents' names to prove your relationship to your them. You may also be required to provide other supporting documents as determined by the CRO to support that link.

If I am a registered Citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation, are my children automatically registered?

No. Children under the age of 18 years must apply separately for Citizenship to become a registered Citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

Do I have to be living in Manitoba to have Citizenship with the Manitoba Métis Federation?

No. In 2014, the MMF Annual General Assembly (AGA) gave direction to the MMF Cabinet that our Citizens, our settlements, and traditional territories must not be separated or divided by arbitrary and artificial borders that are not of our choosing or making and that individuals who are Red River Métis are not required to be a resident of Manitoba to obtain their Citizenship Card.

In August 2022, the MMF Cabinet passed a resolution confirming the MMF is the National Government of the Red River Métis, which included, among other things, that the MMF take further steps to support our non-resident Citizens and build our government beyond borders.

Do I have to be living in Manitoba to enjoy the benefits provided by my Harvester Card?

Please refer to the "Harvesters" section within the Energy, Infrastructure and Resource Management for more information. (mmf.mb.ca/harvesters)

I am not a resident of Manitoba. How do I apply for Citizenship?

If you are not a resident of Manitoba but live within Canada, you can apply online:

MMF CRO Online Application: cro.mmf.mb.ca/apply

If you do not live in Canada, you will first need to download the Citizenship/Harvester Application.

As part of the application process, you must:

1. Self-identify as Red River Métis: The application for MMF Citizenship Identification Card provides an objective and verifiable way of self-identifying as a Red River Métis. The application process, and the subsequent issuance of cards, protect our Red River Métis rights by preventing non-Métis from wrongly claiming and abusing our self-government and harvesting rights;
2. Show an ancestral connection to the Historic Red River Métis Community: In order to objectively verify the ancestral connection to the Historic Red River Métis Homeland, applicants in the MMF must submit a copy of their own Red River Métis genealogy, or a family member's Red River Métis genealogy along with the required supporting evidentiary documents;
3. Be accepted by the contemporary Manitoba Red River Métis Community: An objectively verifiable means of showing acceptance by Manitoba Red River Métis Community is to have the MMF, as its duly elected self-government representative, issue you an MMF Citizenship Card through the application process.

In order to meet this "objectively verifiable process", the Citizenship/Harvester Application contains the required application forms.

Once you have filled out the application, submit your application to the Regional Office responsible for the Region and Local you are most connected to.

Please be sure to mail your completed application and processing fee to the Region you have identified. Fee Table is below:

Application and Card Ordering	Location	Reason	Fees	Notes
Citizen	Canada	Under 55	$20.00	Includes postage
Citizen	Canada	Over 55	$10.00	Includes postage
Harvester	Canada	Under 55	$20.00	Includes postage
Harvester	Canada	Over 55	$10.00	Includes postage
Citizen & Harvester*	Canada	Under 55	$30.00	Includes postage
Citizen & Harvester*	Canada	Over 55	$10.00	Includes postage
Citizen	International	Under 55	$40.00	Includes postage
Citizen	International	Over 55	$30.00	Includes postage
Harvester	International	Under 55	$40.00	Includes postage
Harvester	International	Over 55	$30.00	Includes postage
Citizen & Harvester*	International	Under 55	$50.00	Includes postage
Citizen & Harvester*	International	Over 55	$30.00	Includes postage

 

Should you have questions or concerns, please contact your Regional Office, or the CRO at MMF Home Office at 204-586-8474.

Where can I find MMF Regional Office contact information?

You can find a list of the MMF Regional Offices and their contact information here: MMF Regional Offices. (mmf.mb.ca/regional-offices)

Is there a fee for processing my Citizenship application?

Yes. Please see the fee table below for more information:

Application and Card Ordering	Location	Reason	Fees	Notes
Citizen	Manitoba	Under 55 and Youth Cards	$10.00	Includes postage
Citizen	Manitoba	Over 55	$ -	Free - Includes postage
Citizen & Harvester*	Manitoba	Under 55 and Youth Cards	$20.00	Includes postage
Citizen & Harvester*	Manitoba	Over 55	$ -	Free - Includes postage
Citizen	Canada	Under 55	$20.00	Includes postage
Citizen	Canada	Over 55	$10.00	Includes postage
Harvester	Canada	Under 55	$20.00	Includes postage
Harvester	Canada	Over 55	$10.00	Includes postage
Citizen & Harvester*	Canada	Under 55	$30.00	Includes postage
Citizen & Harvester*	Canada	Over 55	$10.00	Includes postage
Citizen	International	Under 55	$40.00	Includes postage
Citizen	International	Over 55	$30.00	Includes postage
Harvester	International	Under 55	$40.00	Includes postage
Harvester	International	Over 55	$30.00	Includes postage
Citizen & Harvester*	International	Under 55	$50.00	Includes postage
Citizen & Harvester*	International	Over 55	$30.00	Includes postage

 

Can I have Citizenship with the Manitoba Métis Federation and membership with another Indigenous group?

No. As the Red River Métis are one of the "Aboriginal Peoples of Canada" within s.35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and are distinct from other Indigenous Peoples, a person cannot be a member of two different and distinct Indigenous groups.

Can I appeal if my application for Citizenship is declined?

Yes. Any applicant whose application is declined has the right to appeal that decision to the Citizenship Appeal Tribunal, provided that the appeal is placed before the Tribunal, in such form and in such manner as the MMF Cabinet may prescribe, within 60 days of the notification date stated on the declined letter that is provided to applicants. Please contact the Métis Justice Institute at 204-586-8474 for more information regarding the Citizenship Appeal process.

How often do I need to renew my Citizenship card?

Your Citizenship Card must be renewed every 5 years from date of issue. This permits the CRO to maintain a valid and accurate list of registered citizens. Please check your card for its expiry date. Card Renewal Form

*Note that the CRO will review Citizen files to ensure that all information is up-to-date and may request additional information and documentation to include in the Citizens file to support their Red River Métis Ancestry as required.

I lost my Citizenship card. How do I get a replacement card?

You may request a replacement card if your card has not expired. There is a cost of $10 to replace your card. This amount covers the cost of processing a new card. If you have lost your Citizenship Card, please contact your Regional Office or the CRO at 204-586-8474.

*Note that the CRO will review Citizen files to ensure that all information is up-to-date and may request additional information and documentation to include in the Citizens file to support their Red River Métis Ancestry as required.

Is there a separate application for the Métis Harvester card?

To obtain a Harvester Card, applicants will need to be an MMF Citizen. It is a requirement for Harvesters above the age of 12 to hold a Harvester Card while exercising their harvesting rights. Harvester Cards can be renewed annually by purchasing CTF Tags for the current harvesting year. (Please see "Harvesting Section" below)

Required:

• Completed Application Form (Page 9), PDF: Page 9 Harvester Application
• Application payment

*If the Citizen's card is expired, please contact the Regional Office prior to applying for a Harvester Card.

Is the MMF Métis Citizenship card the same as an Indian Status card?

No. Indian Status cards are issued by the federal government under the Authority of the Indian Act ,1836. The MMF Red River Métis Citizenship Card identifies you as Métis one of the "Aboriginal Peoples of Canada" within s.35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. It provides you with the rights and privileges afforded to all Métis Citizens which include access to educational funding, economic development opportunities, and the right to Harvest. The MMF Red River Métis Citizenship Card identifies you as a member of the Manitoba Red River Métis Community Canada's Partner in Confederation and Founder of Manitoba.