Historic meeting and partnership between Manitoba Métis Federation and Comité
de la Fête nationale à Montréal

MONTREAL , Jan. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Presidents David Chartrand , Manitoba Métis Federation, and Mario Beaulieu , Fête Nationale du Québec, laid the foundation of an historic partnership between the elected government of the Manitoba Métis community and the body responsible for the June 24 festivities in Montréal.

In a press conference, presidents David Chartrand and Mario Beaulieu announced the Métis participation in the 2010 Fete nationale du Québec in Montreal . This partnership aims the promotion of the history, heritage, youth and culture of the Québécois and Métis nations during 2010, proclaimed Year of the Metis Nation in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Batoche and Execution of Louis Riel in 1885.

There are historical connections between the Manitoba Metis Community and Quebec . In those times, the Masson family was sponsoring Métis students, which allowed Louis Riel to attend Collège de Montréal. Recently the Masson family donated their collection of Louis Riel letters to the Société historique de St-Boniface in Manitoba.

"In 1885, Quebec supported the Metis and tens of thousands of Quebecers took to the streets of Montreal to support Louis Riel and to protest against this travesty of justice. Today, we are honored to be in Québec to share with you the Métis culture and to learn more about that of Quebecers."

The Manitoba Métis Community is the Founder of Manitoba and a multi-lingual population. There are French-speaking and Michif-speaking Metis throughout the province.

For further information: MMF: Frank Coyle, [phone], [phone]