Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
SIGNING OF THE RED RIVER METIS SELF-GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION AND IMPLEMENTATION TREATY
Portage and Main, Winnipeg
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
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Fellow Manitobans, members of the Red River Metis community – today we feel the presence of more than two centuries of history.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I am pleased to acknowledge that we are gathering in the heartland of the Red River Metis and on Treaty One land. This is a momentous day for a province that is located on the treaty territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Anishininew (ANISH-IN-INEW), Cree, Dakota, Dene and Nehetho (NE-HET-HO) Nation; on the homeland of the Red River Métis and on northern lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
As we witness the signing of the Red River Metis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty, Manitobans affirm their respect for the spirit and intent of treaties and treaty making. We remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and collaboration.
I am sure that everyone at this gathering realizes that today is truly a moment in history.
And indeed this treaty-signing is an event that will be recalled in the history books.
It will be seen as a key step in establishing a new relationship between Canada and the Red River Metis. It will be seen as part of a long struggle for recognition and self-government that dates back to the Red River Resistance and before.
But as much as November 30th, 2024, will be understood as an important date, we must remember that history is not only made on such red-letter days.
History is made every day through the determination and courage of men and women working independently and together.
This date is the product of generations of learning, teaching, advocacy and service. We are here today thanks to every member of the Red River Metis community who has worked to preserve their culture and history, every advocate and researcher, every dedicated leader and volunteer who has worked to make a stronger community.
To all who have worked to make history, thank you for your dedication to a new, just and collaborative Manitoba and Canada.
May this day inspire us all to continue building the inclusive country and province we desire and deserve.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom