MMF wishes everyone a Merry Christmas by bringing festive lights, giving $50,000 to Christmas Cheer Board

December 5, 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, proudly lit up a holiday display at 200 Main Street, as a message of goodwill and Christmas cheer to all our Citizens, as well as our neighbours and visitors in the heart of the Homeland.

"It is a long-standing tradition for the MMF to share our love for the holidays with everyone," said President Chartrand. "We know that our Christmas lighting displays create joy and delight for all who pass it by. Parents have reported to us that their children asked to keep driving past the display over and over again, so they could watch the animated light show of Santa in his Red River Cart, towed by bison. This delight and shared family time is a gift we want to give to all who share our Homeland with us."

At the event, the MMF announced a donation to the Christmas Cheer Board in the amount of $50,000. The Executive Director of the Christmas Cheer Board, Shawna Bell, was on hand to receive the donation, confirming it is currently the largest public donation of the year to the organization.

"There's no doubt that 2024 has been a year of significant advancements for the Red River Métis, with our newest building on Main proudly displaying our logo just down the street from our holiday light display, and the recent signing of our modern-day Treaty with Canada," said President Chartrand. "Canadians are starting to understand that it is part of our values and identity to find ways to share our successes with others. Helping the Christmas Cheer Board bring families together around a table for a feast, and helping children see a present with their name on it under the tree - that's something simple but powerful we can all help to make happen. We encourage all governments, businesses, and organizations to join us in making every child's Christmas merry and bright."

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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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