MMF and PADCOM sign unprecedented Royalty Agreement

February 28, 2025

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, at the National Office of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the MMF, National Government of the Red River Métis and Potash and Agri Development Corporation of Manitoba (PADCOM) signed an unprecedented Royalty Agreement.

The agreement, a unique and leading agreement in Canada, reflects PADCOM's recognition of the MMF as the National Government of the Red River Métis; and demonstrates their industry leadership in meaningful respect for the MMF and the Red River Métis, including our right to self-determination and self-government.

Under the agreement, PADCOM has agreed to grant a royalty to MMF related to the project. Royalty payments will be made by PADCOM directly to the MMF, with the MMF having full discretion of the funds received. Royalty revenue from the project will be used to support priority initiatives and services for Red River Métis Citizens, and to advance economic development in the region.

"PADCOM has shown strong leadership in working with us on this unprecedented Royalty Agreement, which sets a new standard for the mining industry and their relationship with the Red River Métis," said Vincent Mark Parenteau, MMF Minister of Mining. "This agreement with PADCOM marks a key deliverable under my mandate to explore and build partnerships in the mining sector."

PADCOM operates Manitoba's first-ever selective solution potash mine in Harrowby about 16 kilometers west of Russell, Manitoba. PADCOM owns and operates the project and has been granted the right by the Province of Manitoba to explore for, mine, work, recover, procure, remove, and sell potash, a critical mineral, derived by the project.

"We are excited to be part of this historic event," said PADCOM President Daymon Guillas. "The National Government of the Red River Métis has taken all the leadership in creating this unprecedented, but logical and important step. It complements our hope to be part of better solutions for relationships with the Red River Métis in the mining industry and represents our ongoing commitment towards the right relationships between businesses and governments, and between mining and Indigenous Peoples."

The signing of this agreement follows the MMF's signing of its historic Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty with Canada on November 30, 2024.

"This is part of our ongoing advancement as an Indigenous government being recognized for what we are - a government," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "This is a fundamental shift in understanding of who and what we are, and corrects long-standing perceptions that we are a charity, or a social organization. Partnering with industries as a government provides opportunity for prosperity for our people and all Manitobans as a result. I commend Daymon Guillas and PADCOM for their recognition of the MMF as the National Government of the Red River Métis and for acknowledging the history of my People and our experiences as Red River Métis."

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For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

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 Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous Nation and People and Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

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