Manitoba Métis Federation

The Roots of the MMF and the Birth of Manitoba

The Métis emerged as a distinct political people in the 18th and 19th centuries (see Métis Are a People, Not a Historical Process and The “Other” Métis). They radiated outwards from the Red River Settlement. A key event in Métis history was the Battle of Seven Oaks, which the Métis describe as la Viktwayr daan la Plenn di Goornouyayr. In 1816, in present-day Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) settlers clashed with the North West Company’s (NWC) Métis allies over the right to trade. The HBC had attempted to restrict the Métis from trading and supplying pemmican. Pemmican was essential for fur traders. The confrontation between a group of 60 Métis, led by Cuthbert Grant, and the HBC resulted in the deaths of 21 HBC men. This victory solidified the Métis’ identity as a distinct political and military force. It also marked a key moment of Métis resistance against colonial authority.

Métis identity was further solidified in the context of the Red River Resistance of 1869–70. The Métis of the Red River settlement opposed the transfer of Rupert’s Land from the HBC to the Dominion of Canada. Rupert's Land included the Red River area. The Métis wanted consultation regarding the transfer and guarantees of their rights. Under the political leadership of Louis Riel, the Métis established a provisional government to negotiate the protection of land and rights with the Government of Canada. This resulted in the Manitoba Act of 1870. The Manitoba Act created the province of Manitoba. Additionally, it promised land and other protections for the Métis. However, as the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed in Manitoba Metis Federation Inc. V. Canada (Attorney General) in 2013, the promises made to the Métis were not fully honoured. In the decades that followed the creation of Manitoba, the Métis established various governance bodies to advocate for their rights. These included the Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba that was formed in 1887. Métis political organization went underground in the face of persecution and racism at the turn of the 20th century.

A new wave of political mobilization in the 1930s led to the emergence of regional associations in Western Canada. One notable association in Manitoba was the Northern Halfbreed Association, which represented Métis and Non-Status Indians. Much of Métis political activity during the 1950s and 1960s occurred alongside Non-Status Indians. This political activity happened through the annual Indian and Métis conferences sponsored by the Community Welfare Planning Council of Winnipeg. The sidelining of Métis-specific grievances during these events contributed to the formation of a Métis-specific political organization, the Manitoba Métis Federation, in 1967.

Formation of the Manitoba Métis Federation

The creation of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) in 1967 was part of a broader resurgence of Indigenous activism in Canada. During the 1960s and 1970s, Métis and First Nations communities sought to reclaim their lands, rights and cultures. The MMF’s initial goals included securing land promised under the Manitoba Act, promoting Métis culture and identity, and improving the socio-economic conditions of Métis. The MMF was originally composed of a five-member board of directors and seven staff. However, it has evolved into a government, with affiliated organizations, of approximately 1,100 employees representing over 50,000 registered citizens. In 1983, it became a founding member of the Métis National Council (MNC) alongside the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (formerly known as the Métis Nation of Alberta). In 2021, the MMF withdrew from the MNC over concerns regarding the recognition of non-Métis in other MNC affiliates. The MMF no longer recognizes the legitimacy of the MNC as a representative body of the Historic Métis Nation.

The Governance Structure of the MMF

The governance structure of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is designed as a grassroots-driven democratic government. Locals are community-level associations. They are represented by an elected board, generally composed of a chair, vice-chair and secretary/treasurer. Locals are grouped into seven regions, which are represented by a vice-president and board members elected by local Métis citizens. Vice-presidents and two regional executive officers from each of the seven regions form part of the MMF Cabinet. Additionally, the MMF Cabinet includes the national president, spokeswoman of the Infinity Women Secretariat, and other ministers responsible for specific portfolios, such as health, education and economic development. Each Cabinet minister has specific duties tied to their portfolios. These duties align with the MMF’s strategic goals. The decisions of elected officials are voted upon by Métis citizens. Citizens provide policy direction to their government at annual assemblies.

The governance and membership requirements of the MMF are outlined in its Constitution and bylaws. These documents are periodically amended by the Annual General Assembly to reflect its evolving needs. Initially, membership was open to those of mixed Indigenous ancestry. However, these requirements were changed in 1992, restricting membership to individuals whose ancestors had received Métis scrip or land grants in Manitoba. In 2003, the MMF adopted the Métis National Council’s National Definition. This definition requires members to self-identify as Métis, have proven genealogical ties to the historic Métis community and be accepted by the contemporary Métis. Today, the MMF represents Red River Métis citizens from across the Historic Métis Nation Homeland and beyond. MMF citizens can vote and run as candidates in local, regional and provincial MMF elections. They can also attend general assemblies and participate in MMF events and activities. The MMF’s electoral process is overseen by a chief electoral officer. This position has historically been occupied by prominent personalities, including retired chief justices of Manitoba.