MMF celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day in Selkirk and across Manitoba

June 21, 2024

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, joins First Nations, and Inuit Peoples across Canada to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day.

2024 marks the 17^th year that the MMF has hosted its largest celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day in Selkirk, a city that is home to many Red River Métis Citizens. We thank the sponsors of this event and all those who helped make this day happen, including the City of Selkirk, which proudly flies our Infinity flag up and down the streets, sharing a message of connection and welcome. The MMF is also proud to participate in celebrations in The Pas Region, the Southwest Region (Brandon) and the Northwest.

"We are proud to mark 154 years of sharing our Red River Métis culture with Manitobans and Canadians," said David Chartrand, President of the MMF. "Today is about sharing our dance, our music and our laughter, truly showing who the Red River Métis are. This is a time of pride and a time to really celebrate our community and our connections to one another."

It is part of our history and a part of our tradition to respect other Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world. That is why today, on the day where the sun travels its longest path across the sky, we extend our friendship to all legitimate Indigenous Peoples, and stand in solidarity with all the Nations working to preserve their own culture, heritage and identity. May we all honour our Ancestors by maintaining our place in our territories and preserving our culture for future generations.

Along with spending time in community, the MMF event in Selkirk was visited by Premier Kinew and other dignitaries, as well as representatives from CN Rail, who joined in the festivities and announced an investment of $10,000 to Michif Manor. Once open, Michif Manor will be a home away from home for Red River Métis families from rural and remote areas who must seek medical care in Winnipeg.

"National Indigenous Peoples Day is an important milestone in the year, and we want all of our people to be able to participate," said President Chartrand. "That's why we've worked so hard to make sure that this event remains free, so children can eat, families can eat and kids can play -the thousands who attend this event can truly come together to celebrate and be equal, as we renew our commitment to ourselves as an Indigenous People, and to all our legitimate First Nations, Inuit and Red River Métis relatives. There's no doubt we have made great strides as a Nation, but we must never forget that the work continues as we create a future as strong and united as our present."

Information about celebrations taking place in other regions can be found here: /events/national-indigenous-peoples-day

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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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