David Chartrand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Chartrand
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| President of the Manitoba Métis Federation | |
| Assumed office 1997 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 23, 1960 |
David N. Chartrand was born on January 23, 1960. He is a Métis leader and activist. Since 1997, he has been the elected President of the Manitoba Métis Federation. This organization works for the rights and well-being of the Red River Métis people.
Mr. Chartrand is the longest-serving President in the Federation's history. He is currently in his eighth term. He also served on the Board of Governors for the Métis National Council from 1997 to 2021. The Manitoba Métis Federation later left the Métis National Council in 2021. This happened because of concerns about how the term "Métis" was being defined.
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Growing Up
David Chartrand was born in Duck Bay, Manitoba. He was the fourth of eight children. His family spoke Saulteaux, an Indigenous language. He learned about the rich culture and traditions of the Red River Métis people from a young age. His older brother, Elbert Chartrand, was also involved in Métis politics.
Early Work
In 1982, David Chartrand moved to Winnipeg. He started his career working with young people. Later, he managed The Manor Hotel from 1982 to 1985. From 1986 to 1990, he worked as a Probation Officer for the Province of Manitoba. He then became the Executive Director of the Aboriginal Court Worker's Program. He held this role from 1990 to 1997.
Starting in Politics
Mr. Chartrand first joined the Manitoba Métis Federation Board of Directors in 1988. He was elected from the Winnipeg Region. He was re-elected four times to this position.
He also volunteered in many important roles. He was Vice-President of the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg. He also led the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres. He was a founding director and president of Beat the Street. This program helps adults learn to read and write. He served on the board of the Northern Justice Society. He was also a director for the Manitoba Métis Federation for 10 years. This was before he became President in 1997.
Leading the Manitoba Métis Federation
As President, David Chartrand has started many important programs.
Helping Métis People Find Jobs
In 1999, he began the Métis Human Resource Development Agreement program. This program has helped thousands of Métis people find jobs and get training.
Strengthening the Federation
Mr. Chartrand created an Executive Policy Committee. This committee helps make sure the Federation's rules and procedures are strong. He also helped set up a pension plan for the Federation's employees. This was the first time such a plan existed for them. He also led efforts to update the Federation's rules. This included adopting a clear definition of who is Métis.
Supporting Education
In 1999, he helped create the first scholarship fund for Red River Métis students. This fund helps them attend college and university. Through the Louis Riel Institute, the Federation has given millions of dollars in support. Today, this support is worth over $24 million.
Improving Health Care
In 2012, the first Red River Métis-owned pharmacy, MEDOCare, opened. This was part of his plan to offer better health care. In 2014, a program started to provide prescription glasses for Métis Elders. In 2016, the Manitoba Métis Federation Prescription Drug Program launched. This program helps cover the cost of prescription drugs for all Red River Métis Elders in Manitoba.
Honoring Veterans
After a promise made in 1997, Mr. Chartrand worked for over 20 years. He fought for the recognition of Red River Métis Veterans. His efforts paid off on June 13, 2019. A $30-million agreement was signed. An apology was also given to all Métis veterans and their families.
Sharing News and Culture
Mr. Chartrand saw a need to better share news with Métis members. He started "Métis Hour x 2," a radio show. This show shares Red River Métis culture, history, and current events. He also created "Le Métis." This was a special insert in a newspaper. It reached about 40,000 people across Manitoba.
Self-Government and Treaties
In June 2023, President Chartrand led a big meeting. About 4,000 citizens voted on a treaty with Canada. This treaty is about Red River Métis Self-Government. The citizens voted strongly in favor of it. This was the result of talks that started in 2016.
Legal Work for Métis Rights
As President, Mr. Chartrand has worked hard for Red River Métis land claims. He also helped with harvesting rights in Ontario. One of his first actions was to restart the Red River Métis Land Claims case.
Supreme Court Victory
Because of his dedication, the Manitoba Métis Federation won a big case in 2013. This was the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) v. Canada case at the Supreme Court of Canada. The Court agreed that the Métis claim was for the whole community. It was not just for individuals. The Court said this claim was important for bringing together the Métis people and Canada.
The Court also said that Canada had failed to give the Métis people the land promised in the Manitoba Act, 1870. This decision was very important. It helped open the door for other Supreme Court decisions. For example, the 2016 Daniels case recognized Métis Nation as having rights under the Canadian Constitution.
Agreements with Canada
On May 27, 2016, the Manitoba Métis Federation signed an agreement with the Government of Canada. This agreement was to work towards reconciliation. In 2021, another agreement was signed. This one was to move forward with reconciliation.
On July 6, 2021, Mr. Chartrand signed a historic agreement. This was the Manitoba Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement. This agreement recognizes the Manitoba Métis Federation as the national government of the Red River Métis. This is the only Métis self-government agreement of its kind. It helps create a modern treaty for the Red River Métis.
Personal Life
David Chartrand is married to Glorian Yakiwchuk. She is a Red River Métis businesswoman. They live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They are raising their granddaughter, Martha Chartrand. Mr. Chartrand was raised in a Roman Catholic home. He continues to pray regularly.
Awards and Honors
David Chartrand has received many awards for his work.
- He received the Golden Eagle Award.
- He was given the Eagle Feather from the Friendship Centres of Ontario.
- His picture is on the Honour Wall of Fame in Winnipeg.
- In 2002, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. This was for his great contributions to his community and Canada.
- In 2004, he received The Manitoba Order of the Sash. This was for his cultural, political, and social work for the Métis people.
- In 2012, the University of Winnipeg gave him an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree. This was for his dedication to the Métis people.
- Also in 2012, he received the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal. This was for his important work in Canada.
- In 2013, he was given the Order of Manitoba. This recognized his excellent work for the well-being of Manitoba and its people.
- Also in 2013, he received the Order of the Métis Nation.
- In 2017, he received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers. This was for his amazing volunteer work for the Métis Nation.
- In 2022, he was the first Indigenous person to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the India Canada Cultural and Heritage Association.
- Also in 2022, he received the Lanza Llanera Order of Democracy from Colombia. This was for his leadership in helping Indigenous communities in Colombia.
- In June 2023, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Images for kids
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President David Chartrand
