Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty goes to second reading in the House of Commons

Press Release

April 22, 2026

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis -  Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), National Government of the Red River Métis will see the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty  go to a second reading in the House of Commons.

Your Red River Métis Government has been working on this process for many years, with initial Citizen consultations taking place throughout the Homeland and Beyond Borders in 2016, leading up to the Manitoba Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement signing on July 6, 2021. This immediately recognized the MMF as the democratically elected government of the Red River Métis, regardless of where they live. Throughout 2023, the MMF engaged in more Citizen consultations across the Homeland and Beyond Borders to gather feedback about the proposed Treaty, which was met with overwhelming support.

“The most important part of this Treaty is the fact that it’s not a Treaty between Canada and the MMF,” said MMF President David Chartrand, during these consultations. “It’s a Treaty between Canada and our Red River Métis Citizens, which was the goal of our Ancestors.”

In June 2023, over 4,000 of our Citizens gathered for our historic Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA) for the ratification of the Treaty, where it was overwhelmingly ratified, as thousands of Citizens stood up and raised their hand and voted to continue our historic progress forward. An emotional moment as Red River Métis Citizens reflected on the journey that was 156 years in the making, after our first co-development of a Treaty – with the Manitoba Act  as the result – was ignored by Canada after it was made in good faith. Canada sent an army against our people, and it took us generations to get back to where we are today.

With the Treaty now going into a second reading in the House of Commons, the MMF is one step closer to solidifying our rightful place in Canadian history, securing a brighter future for the Red River Métis.

Following the second reading, the Committee and the Senate will follow their processes and deliberations before our Treaty goes to a third reading and a vote. If passed, the Treaty will be granted Royal Assent by the Governor General, which will complete the legislative process and bring the Self-Government Treaty into effect in Canadian law. The Treaty will then replace the 2021 Agreement and will be protected by Canada’s Constitution.

President Chartrand is currently in Ottawa representing the undeniable strength of the Red River Métis.

“The MMF has worked tirelessly over the years to fight for the rights of the Red River Métis,” said MMF President David Chartrand. “I expect to see all party support for this historic step forward on a Treaty that has been 156 years in the making. The Red River Métis have always loved the country we helped build, and the country we fought for in world wars, despite the poor treatment we received over generations. Our people will be watching closely as this second reading takes place, with the expectation that Canada’s elected officials are all ready to fix the mistakes of the past.”

Citizens are encouraged to watch the proceedings on ParlVu here.

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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

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