Press Release
November 8, 2023
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, hosted our second annual ceremony honouring Red River Métis Veterans and all Veterans, in partnership with The Royal Canadian Legion, St. Laurent Métis Branch #250, the only Métis Legion in Canada.
Established in Manitoba in 1994, November 8th is the day Canada honours Indigenous Veterans, for their legacy and the sacrifices they made for the rights we have today. On Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour the sacrifices of the young men and women who fought for our country, at a time when Canada was not fighting for them.
The event began at 11:00AM with a flyby and March of the Colours along with other traditional remembrance protocols. These events allow us to honour and show appreciation to our Veterans and their families. Attendees who drove down Veterans Memorial Drive saw 93 banners honouring Veterans from the area. The Veteran Banners are an initiative brought to life by the St. Laurent Legion, in partnership with the Rural Municipality of St. Laurent and funded by the Métis Veterans Legacy Program. The Royal Canadian Air Force also did a fly by in advance of the ceremony.
“It is vital that we have a day where we honour our Red River Métis Veterans – Canadian heroes who haven’t always been given their due recognition,” said Shawn Nault, MMF Minister for Red River Métis Veterans, who is also a Veteran himself. “We fought for the very existence of our Nation in the late 1800s, and then, several decades later, signed up to fight in World War I, in defence of democracy. To me, this truly shows the heart and spirit of the Red River Métis.”
The Red River Métis started defending our rights in 1816 and continued until 1885, when we fought the last battle of the Northwest Resistance at Batoche. Those who gave their lives during these early battles also deserve recognition as war Veterans, and as champions of democracy.
“Today, we honour our Red River Métis Veterans – all the men and women who served, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice and are buried in foreign soil,” said Minister Nault. “In a time when we are seeing increasing violence and armed conflict across the globe, it’s important to remember those who served in the past, as well as recognizing that we may again be called to serve. We must cherish our Veterans, remember their sacrifices and honour all who wear or will wear the uniform in defence of freedom and democracy. These are our heroes – today, tomorrow and forever.”
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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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