Photo: Chartrand (centre) with the MMF Portage Local executive.
By Renee Lilley
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Portage Graphic Leader
Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) President David Chartrand has pledged new provincial investments in Portage la Prairie, including a daycare centre, pharmacy, housing and a permanent building for the local government, as the federation prepares for a historic “changemaker” year.
Speaking to a crowd of approximately 150 citizens at a Portage Local meeting on March 18, Chartrand said the MMF is scouting locations in the city for a new hub. He noted that the federation is being strategic about the purchase to avoid price gouging.
“Without a doubt, we’re coming to invest here in Portage la Prairie for the local and also for daycare centres,” Chartrand said, adding that the city’s Red River Métis community shows a “united front” that gives him great pride as a leader.
Chartrand noted that if there’s enough interest to sustain a Métis-run pharmacy like those in Winnipeg, he will make it a reality in Portage. Under the MMF pharmacy program, seniors 55 and older receive free medication.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment for the MMF. Chartrand expressed optimism that a self-government treaty with Canada will be concluded by June, finally solidifying the Métis place in the Constitution. Following the treaty, he plans to aggressively pursue land claims he expects to be valued in the “billions, not millions.”
Chartrand also teased a major wind power project not far from the Portage area. The MMF will hold a 51 per cent majority stake in the $500-million initiative, a shift in industry standards that he said has international partners “knocking on our door.”
“This is the first time that a government has actually awarded 51 per cent ownership to Indigenous governments,” Chartrand said. “It will be the beginning of utter change.”
Chartrand was gifted a few sentimental items from the Portage Local including a sash, beaded pins, a Terriers jersey with the late Métis hockey player Adam Calder’s name, as well as a decorated leather gun strap from local members. He also answered questions from the packed crowd at the Herman Prior Centre.
Wes Hannah, chairperson of the Portage Local, noted that local citizenship has surged from 1,750 to 3,000 members in just over three years. Hannah, who is running for vice-chairperson in the local election on March 23, said the growth reflects the stability and success of the MMF’s programming.
“It makes my heart happy to be able to provide programming for our people and have their lives a little bit better,” said Hannah, who also intends to run for a national cabinet position this summer.