right: MNC President Clément Chartier and MMF President David Chartrand
November 6, 2019
MEDIA RELEASE
Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) partnered with Canada Post and unveiled a special stamp commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Red River Resistance of 1869-70 in which the Métis asserted their rights and protected their families during the turbulent events leading up to the creation of the province of Manitoba. In telling this story, it also honours the great Métis Leader and President Louis Riel and the Métis Provisional Government.
The stamp was unveiled next to the historic Gate of Upper Fort Garry – now a park – the seat of Riel’s Provisional Government and the site of the Métis ratification of the Manitoba Act.
“I am delighted by the many recent national acknowledgements of the Métis Nation,” said MMF President David Chartrand. “Last month on his 175th birthday, the Royal Canadian Mint issued a new coin featuring a portrait of Louis Riel. Today, Canada Post today recognizes the visionary leadership of President Riel and the Métis Leadership with this commemorative stamp. Their contributions to Manitoba and to Canada are finally and justifiably becoming fully known and appreciated.”
The stamp image, designed by Paprika and illustrated by Gérard DuBois, is based on two historical sources: an 1848 lithograph of Upper Fort Garry and a photograph of Louis Riel and his provisional government taken in 1870. Throughout the development of this stamp, Canada Post worked closely with the Métis National Council (MNC).
“Louis Riel was Manitoba’s first Premier and a Father of Confederation,” said President Chartrand. “I hope everyone in Canada buys this stamp, and that it goes all over the world. It is a form of visibility and presence that will memorialize his People’s struggle for land, sovereign rights and for the integrity of our distinct culture.”
“The creation and success of Canada Post is longstanding and enduring as is the Métis Nation,” President Chartrand went on to say. “The Métis Nation is Canada’s Negotiating Partner in Confederation and the Founder of Manitoba. In Partnership with Canada Post, we are pleased that together we can all commemorate our history.”
“We’re thrilled Canada Post is issuing a stamp to mark this important anniversary,” says Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council. “By defending Métis rights, Riel and the provisional government changed the course of Canadian history.”
The stamp is available in a booklet of 10 and affixed to an Official First Day Cover cancelled in Winnipeg. They can be purchased at post offices and online at canadapost.ca/shop.
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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.
The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is the official democratic and self-governing political representative for the Métis Nation’s Manitoba Métis Community. The Manitoba Métis are Canada’s Negotiating Partner in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.
For media information, please contact:
Al Foster
Director – Communications
Manitoba Metis Federation
Office: (204) 586-8474 x324
Cell: (204) 806-4752
Email: al.foster@mmf.mb.ca
right: Métis Elder Verna DeMontigny and MC Oliver Boulette
