MN–S opens Le Magazaen in Ottawa – A Space for Kitchen Table Nation-to-Nation Relationship Building and Métis Storytelling

Press Release

February 26, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Last night, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) opened Le Magazaen, a meeting place grounded in Métis innovation, culture, and community connection near Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.

In his opening remarks MN–S President Glen McCallum underscored the significance of establishing a Métis presence in the heart of the nation’s capital. He emphasized that reconciliation is not solely a responsibility of one party, but a shared commitment among all governments to build trust and celebrate Métis strengths.

“Reconciliation means governments seeing our government as they see one another – as partners,” says McCallum. “When we work together and trust each other, everyone wins. That’s the spirit we bring to this space – wanting to have conversation, work together, and share success.”

Le Magazaen is unlike the conventional offices or embassies that line the streets around Parliament Hill. At the centre of its gathering room sits a long wooden table surrounded by simple wooden chairs. It looks like a kitchen table – because it is one.

In the 1800s, Louis Riel had a rightful seat in the House of Commons – one he was never allowed to assume. Honouring his legacy and our culture, MN-S is now taking up space in our nation’s capital.

The opening marks an important shift toward building direct, nation‑to‑nation relationships with the Government of Canada. MN–S Vice President Michelle LeClair says that Métis Nation–Saskatchewan must be present where decisions that affect its citizens are made.

“We have, for too long, had others advocating on our behalf,” said LeClair. “To ensure federal leaders truly understand who the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan is, we must be the ones opening doors, walking into those offices, and building relationships face‑to‑face.”

She says Le Magazaen strengthens MN–S’s ability to bring the voices and priorities of Saskatchewan Métis directly into national conversations, grounding dialogue in reality, proximity, and respect.

A Place for Nation-to-Nation Dialogue

The space is intentionally designed to evoke the spirit of kitchen‑table meetings: decisions made closely, elbow‑to‑elbow, face to face. That design is no accident. Le Magazaen honours the role of George Fisher’s family Store in Batoche, where people gathered to meet during the resistance.

“We’re bringing people together to tell the story of Métis Nation–Saskatchewan,” said Richard Quintal, MN–S Chief Executive Officer. “Our ancestors built relationships at kitchen tables and trading posts – places where you exchanged more than goods and meals. You exchanged ideas, stories, and made decisions. Hence the name Le Magazen, the store.”

Le Magazaen will serve as a meeting place for dialogue with leaders to advance the priorities of the MN–S government in a space that reflects Métis culture, language, values, and identity.

“We want to engage leaders in this space not only with proposals, but also showcasing our culture through stories, art, and goods – demonstrating the impact we have on our citizens, and all of Canada,” says Quintal.

Telling Stories through Art and Culture

The space also features a collection of loaned artworks from Crown‑Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), entrusted to MN–S. These pieces sit alongside works from artists across Saskatchewan, forming a small but powerful gallery that tells a living story of Métis identity, creativity, and place.

Sherry Farrell Racette, an Indigenous artist, curator, and University of Regina professor, who curated the first show at the gallery says Le Magazaen invites visitors to experience the depth, resilience, and beauty of the Saskatchewan Métis through the eyes and hands of our artists.

“We are featuring sixteen Saskatchewan Métis artists – from established to emerging – North to South – from street art to beadwork. For northern and rural artists, Le Magazaen will offer an opportunity to reach a wide audience. The Saskatchewan experience is not as well known in Ottawa. The artists are telling real powerful stories about their kin and homeland. It is an honour to be the first curator in this wonderful space.”

Located in the heart of Ottawa’s ByWard Market – a district that welcomes nearly 10 million visitors each year. Le Magazaen offers Saskatchewan Métis citizens expanded access to markets in Ottawa and across Canada. Le Magazaen opens just ahead of Ottawa’s peak tourism season, welcoming the public and government alike into a space shaped by Métis culture, history, and identity.

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About Métis Nation–Saskatchewan:

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) is built on a foundation of Métis identity, culture, values and language. Empowered by the Métis citizens of Saskatchewan, MN–S works to advance Métis rights and strengthen capacity. MN–S represents the political, socioeconomic, cultural and educational interests of Métis in the province through an elected representative system at local, regional and provincial levels.

For media inquiries:

Rena Montgomerie – MN–S Media Relations Manager r.montgomerie@mns.ca or 306-250-1092 or 1-877-MétisSK

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