Time for a return to discussion and debate within the MMF

The Annual General Assembly of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) took place last weekend at Assiniboia Downs, with over 2,700 preregistered citizens.

To outsiders or newcomers, this gathering could appear to be a shining example of democracy, with citizens across Canada in attendance, especially those who heard MMF President David Chartrand’s state of the nation address.

However, those who have been a part of the MMF for five years or more recall true democracy, with free expression as a hallmark of our nation.

Historically, we sat at kitchen tables across the homeland; Métis have always debated, only coming to a consensus after deliberation. On the buffalo hunt, our representatives came together, sat and discussed the way to move forward with this practice, which underpins our buffalo governance.

Somewhere along the way, we have forgotten that we are Otipemisiwak, “the people who own ourselves.” Under the current MMF government, dissenting voices have been silenced, and we collectively need to remember who we are and govern ourselves accordingly.

In the late 1970s, Marlene M. Doxtater, a Métis provincial organizer and executive director of the Métis Women’s Association, wrote about the efforts of vocal Métis women at the first provincial conference, stating that worthwhile ideas were debated by all in attendance. Women stood up, presented their views and stated what needed to be said to help their families. Women who have been active in the nation for decades recall a time before federal funding influenced MMF gatherings, a time before delegates received funding and a time when transportation was not funded.

During this time, women would carpool and share a room with up to five others to ensure that their voices were heard on the floor. These women shared freely and had the power to enforce good governance, standing up for themselves and their people. When women spoke, the MMF listened.

One year, when many wanted to close for the night, Elizabeth Isbister from Norway House demanded they finish their business, stating, “I don’t care if we have to meet until midnight; we are going to do these resolutions.” And they stayed and concluded that business.

This was not the case in 2024 — with all portfolios being rushed and voted on collectively rather than individually after questions and debate. Elders recall years of fierce debate on the assembly floor with all parties screaming into the mics in a space that welcomed their passion and commitment to their people. The question is when and why this stopped being the case.

Some readers may recall “People don’t feel safe: some Red River Métis voice concerns about MMF gathering,” a Cierra Bettens feature on APTN’s website. Casandra Woolever, an MMF citizen was quoted as stating, “I’m petrified of the mics.”

That fear was warranted, as Woolever was targeted and, over the next year, saw the ramifications of voicing her questions on the mic and participating in the news story which included a social media smear campaign and loss of business to her company, Metis Branded.

Others present at the 2024 AGA who challenged the current MMF government with questions around accountability, conflict of interest and real estate purchases were met with a similar scenario — the minister of the relevant portfolio relinquishing the mic to Chartrand, who would berate the curious citizens.

In 2023, I personally questioned the government and stated, “Here comes the president to tell me why I am wrong,” as he made his way to the mic. The exchange was viewed as lighthearted comedy, but it speaks to a growing issue in the MMF. Are citizens free to question and debate on the floor of the AGA without retribution?

When people are not free to share openly, they move to subversive action.

In 2025, a new website, insidemmf.com, launched days before the general assembly. Through social media and email, the site’s organizers invited those who demonstrated disagreement with the current MMF government to send anonymous insider tips and takes. The tips resulted in what the site captured as “The insider view of our Red River Métis Government. Often confusing. Sometimes disturbing. Always hilarious.” It featured comics regarding financial transparency, democracy, and election suppression, along with a bingo card outlining predictions based on past years.

Created and maintained anonymously, the site brought comic relief to those who feel oppressed and dismissed by the nation.

As the 2025 assembly concluded, observations of the resolutions and the exchange on the floor included the Two-spirit Michif local attempting to give MMF citizens the freedom to vote without the tension with a closed ballot.

The suggestion inspired debate with over 20 speakers — this could have been a return to our old democratic ways. Unfortunately, I was quickly reminded why the floor is strained, with multiple ministers weighing in and Chartrand coming to the mic to enforce his will on the people stating, “no way in hell I would support that,” suggesting the only time this will change is when we have a new president.

Until then, we will need to share our opposing thoughts subversively.

My hope for the nation is that we will one day be free to debate openly, as the generations before us did, and that we will once again feel free to share the conversations we have at our kitchen tables, for this has been our way since the emergence of the Métis nation.

» Laura Forsythe is an associate professor at the University of Winnipeg and a Manitoba Metis Federation citizen. This column previously appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press.