Winnipeg – Creating equal and inclusive economic opportunities is a vital step towards reconciliation. Advancing the government-to-government partnership between the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), and the Government of Canada will create more economic activity in the Red River Métis community.
Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, and President David Chartrand of the MMF announced a federal investment of $4.98 million to support two projects. From the total funding announced, $4 million will support the creation of Métis Economic and Community Development (MECD). This initiative will be established and administered by the MMF and will support place-based economic and community development. The MECD will provide business advisory services, community engagement activities, sectoral expertise, and pathfinding opportunities for Red River Métis entrepreneurs and communities. This PrairiesCan investment is anticipated to create 32 jobs, assist 100 small- and medium-sized enterprises, provide advisory services to 750 businesses, and create, maintain, or expand 10 businesses.
The $980,000 PrairiesCan investment will go towards the development and promotion of the new Red River Métis National Heritage Centre (RRMNHC), at Portage and Main in downtown Winnipeg, the heart of the Red River Métis Homeland. This investment will support new visitor exhibits, as well as digital displays and installations on the exterior façade of the building. Once completed, the RRMNHC is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors annually.