Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
MANITOBA METIS FEDERATION 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Assiniboia Downs
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
(please check against delivery)
Fellow Manitobans, members of the Manitoba Metis Federation, heirs of a rich heritage, it is a pleasure to join you at this exercise in democracy and citizen participation.
To the thousands of MMF members watching today’s gathering via livestream, I extend my very best wishes to you as well.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I acknowledge that we are gathered in Treaty One territory and on the heartland of the Red River Metis. I honour that Manitoba is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Anishininew (ANISH-IN-INEW), Cree,
Dakota, Dene, the Nehetho (NE-HET-HO) Nation and the Red River Métis, and includes northern lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
We respect the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people to build a more inclusive, equitable and just society for all.
Democratic decision-making is at the heart of Canada’s and Manitoba’s values. And as this annual general assembly reminds us, it goes back well before Confederation.
Long before 1867, here in Manitoba, the decision-making gatherings at the Metis buffalo hunt provided an example of a community gathering to share information and discuss matters of common concern.
By sharing our ideas and experiences, by listening and learning, and by giving our time and energy to matters of public interest, we all have the power to change our community and our world for the better.
The passionate commitment of MMF members and focused, strong leadership is evident in the many accomplishments and commitments – from the First Time Home Buyers Program, to culturally-focused accessible childcare, to the recent commitment of over $100 million dollars toward revitalization of our downtown. There is very obviously clear vision and purpose, and I commend you.
The work of the MMF touches all aspects of life in Manitoba – and will continue to play a very important role in the continued development and prosperity of our province for the benefit of all Manitobans.
I wish you a robust, productive assembly, and may each one of you leave with the excitement and satisfaction of contributing to something that makes our province, our country, our world, a better place.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom