Statement by Minister Carolyn Bennett, Minister Miller, and Minister Vandal on Manitoba's 150th Anniversary

OTTAWA, May 12, 2020 /CNW/ - The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous Services, Marc Miller and Minister of Northern Affairs, Daniel Vandal, issued the following statement today:

"One hundred and fifty years ago, under the leadership of Louis Riel and the Métis people, Manitoba joined Confederation as Canada's fifth province.

For thousands of years, Manitoba has been home to a number of distinct Indigenous communities, such as the Assiniboine, Cree, Ojibwe, Dakotas, Dene and Inuit. The Métis Nation would also form its own distinct culture that would further shape Manitoba's identity and play a pivotal role in establishing Manitoba as part of confederation.

Manitoba's strength and resiliency comes from the people that call Manitoba home – Indigenous, settlers, newcomers. We thank Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Manitoba who have worked to build the province over the last 150 years and continue to work to support their communities.

This is an opportunity for Manitobans, and all Canadians, to reflect on the past and present and to look forward to the bright future of the province. Part of our present and future is walking the path of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We must also acknowledge past wrongs and chart a new path forward based on the affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

While Covid-19 is impacting the celebrations that are fitting for such a significant anniversary, we encourage Canadians from coast to coast to coast to learn more about Manitoba's history and culture, and to participate in the many virtual Manitoba 150 celebrations and activities being offered online."

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

(media may contact): Emily Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett,Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]; Vanessa Adams, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, 343-543-7645; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected]; Allison St. Jean, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, 819-953-1153; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]

Related Links

https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca