OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 31, 2026 /CNW/ -- Understanding the perspectives, challenges and priorities of Indigenous producers can help strengthen their participation and support a more inclusive and resilient sector.
Today, Ginette Lavack, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface--St. Vital, Manitoba, on behalf of the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of up to $160,545 for the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, through the AgriDiversity Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to identify the needs and priorities specific to Red River Métis producers.
This funding will support the MMF in hosting community meetings with Red River Métis agricultural producers and agriculture professionals to share knowledge and discuss priorities. Surveys will also be conducted to gather information on challenges and priorities identified by the community. The information gathered will be used to develop "what-we-heard" reports that outline current concerns, potential solutions and a path forward for meaningful and sustainable participation in the sector that reflects Red River Métis values and traditions. The reports will also highlight the impact of Red River Métis participation in agriculture.
Through initiatives like the AgriDiversity Program, the Government of Canada continues to support Indigenous and other under-represented groups in addressing their unique needs in the agriculture sector.
Quotes
"Supporting Red River Métis communities in ways that are meaningful to their values and traditions contributes to a more inclusive agricultural sector. This project will create a better understanding of Red River Métis producer experiences and priorities, help tackle identified challenges, support their participation in agriculture and highlight the important contributions they make to Canada's agriculture sector."
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Red River Métis agricultural producers have deep knowledge, experience and perspectives that strengthen Manitoba's agriculture sector. As we look to the future of agriculture in our province, it's important that their voices are at the table and that we listen to their priorities and ambitions. I'm proud that our government is supporting this work and helping create more opportunities for Red River Métis producers to contribute, grow and succeed."
- Ginette Lavack, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface--St. Vital, Manitoba
"The Red River Métis have helped to shape the rich agricultural landscape of the Canadian prairies since before Canada's confederation. The Manitoba Métis Federation is grateful for the opportunity to bring together Red River Métis Citizens who actively participate in the agriculture and agri-food sectors to better understand their priorities, opportunities, and challenges, and to develop programming and initiatives that will ensure meaningful, sustained Red River Métis participation in this traditional economy."
- David Beaudin, Minister for Agriculture, Manitoba Métis Federation
Quick Facts
- The MMF, the National Government of the Red River Métis, represents the Red River Métis, a distinct Nation and People and Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.
- The MMF signed the Manitoba Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement with Canada at Upper Fort Garry on July 6, 2021. The agreement provided immediate recognition of the MMF as the democratically elected Government of the Red River Métis.
- The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (2023 to 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector.
- The AgriDiversity Program is a $5-million program under Sustainable CAP that aims to help Indigenous Peoples and other underrepresented and marginalized groups in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
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Contacts: For media: Jennica Klassen, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]
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