Special Statement: Manitoba Métis Federation Mourns Passing of The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney

March 1, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that we in the Manitoba Métis Federation, the National Government of the Red River Métis, mourn the passing of The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, Canada's 18th Prime Minister.

There can be no doubt that Brian Mulroney was one of Canada's great nation-builders whose tireless efforts to advance the country included and profoundly affected the Red River Métis.

During the 1980s his government launched Indigenous business development and employment and training programs which continue to this day to improve opportunities and quality of life for our people.

There can also be no doubt that Brian Mulroney was decades ahead of his time in pursuing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We remember well his visiting us in Winnipeg in October 1991 when he recognized the historic Métis Nation followed by his government's passage of a resolution through the House of Commons recognizing Louis Riel as the founder of Manitoba and supporting the attainment of the constitutional rights of the Red River Métis.

Nor can we forget our inclusion as equals in the Canada Round of constitutional discussions with Canada and the Provinces leading to the Charlottetown Accord in 1992. Its companion agreement, the Métis Nation Accord, was a testament to the Prime Minister's commitment to reconciliation and respect for the Red River Métis. Although it did not survive the referendum on Charlottetown, the Métis Nation Accord stands as a remarkable blueprint for Métis self-government that is being put into effect today, more than three decades later.

The Manitoba Métis Federation and its Red River Métis Citizens had the honour of working with Brian Mulroney toward realizing his big vision for Canada. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and our deepest appreciation for what he did for the Red River Métis and indeed all Canadians.

President David Chartrand
Manitoba Métis Federation
National Government of the 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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