David Chartrand, President
Manitoba Métis Federation

President David Chartrand is the longest serving President of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF). For more than two decades he has advanced the cause of the Métis Nation at the provincial and national levels while working to improve opportunities for all Manitobans.

He was born and raised in the small Métis community of Duck Bay, Manitoba. He was Executive Director of the Manitoba Aboriginal Court worker Program when, in 1996, he was elected President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the MMF where he is currently serving his sixth term.

Under his leadership, the MMF has experienced tremendous growth in self-government capacity, programs and services for the Métis Nation and its Manitoba Métis Community. He increased the annual program and operations budget of the MMF from approximately $190,000 annually in 1997 to $80 million present-day, including approximately $30 million in capital assets.

He championed Métis Land Claims and harvesting rights. With his dedication, the Manitoba Métis won recently the 2013 Supreme Court Decision on the Land Claims and negotiated and signed the 2012 Manitoba - MMF Harvesting Agreement recognizing Métis Hunting and fishing rights.
He established the Métis Economic Development Organization (MEDO), the MMF's economic development arm, also known as the MMF's Crown Corporation.
With his leadership, negotiated with the Manitoba Government the first ever Manitoba Métis Policy, which was accepted by both the provincial cabinet and the MMF in 2010.
President Chartrand established the first-ever Métis specific post-secondary University Scholarship and Bursary Endowment Fund, in 1999. Through the Louis Riel Institute the MMF has provided more than $1.5 million in bursaries for Métis university students. Today the Fund is worth approximately $11 million present day with established partnerships with five universities here in Manitoba.
President Chartrand led a successful movement to change the curriculum in Canadian schools to acknowledge the contributions of Métis Leader Louis Riel as the "Father of Manitoba". He also advocated for the establishment of Manitoba's Louis Riel Day in February.
President Chartrand has been involved in many community organizations including Vice­President of the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg and President of the National Association of Friendship Centres. He is a founding Director and Past President of Beat the Street, an adult literacy program in Winnipeg. As MMF President he serves on the Board of Governors of the Métis National Council and holds many key portfolios nationally such as Minister responsible for Social Development, Finance and Administration.
Honours and Awards:
2013- The Order of the Métis Nation;
2012- Honorary Doctor of Laws degree, University of Winnipeg; 
         The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal;
2012- The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal; as well as:
  • The Golden Eagle Award presented by the Indigenous Women's Collective
  • Presentation of an Eagle Feather from the Ontario Association of Friendship Centres
  • Inducted to the Wall of honour by the Winnipeg Indian and Métis Friendship Centre
  • Honorary Fisherman and inducted to the Fisherman’s Hall of Fame at the Annual Manipogo Festival of the community of St. Laurent
  • The Manitoba Order of the Sash by resolution of the Métis Nation at the 36th Annual General Assembly of the Manitoba Métis Federation