The federal government signed its first-ever modern treaty with a Métis government during a ceremony with the Manitoba Métis Federation in Winnipeg on Saturday, in what leaders hailed as a pivotal moment for Canada and the Métis people.
David Chartrand, the president of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), was overcome with emotion as spoke to dozens of people in attendance during Saturday’s ceremony, before the treaty was officially signed as a fiddler played.
“When you start looking at what it is and why it is this treaty means so much, it sets the stage of what the future will look like,” said Chartrand. “It will be the foundation of the future for the next generation.”
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree was also in the city to sign the agreement, which formally recognizes the Manitoba Métis Federation as the government of the Red River Métis.
“This is a significant event,” he …