The Northwest Metis Council opened its new governance office this afternoon in Dauphin. Vice President Francis Chartrand says the relationship between the Manitoba Metis Federation and the City of Dauphin is really strong.
"The City of Dauphin is our partner, and they know who the Red River Metis are, and I'm so proud to say that. This is part of reconciliation, and I'm so proud to be working with the City of Dauphin, and a proud resident of the City of Dauphin."
Chartrand went on to talk about the commitment they're showing to the Parkland region, through investments in the communities.
"We built a daycare here, it cost us 1.6 million dollars. We built a new childcare centre in Swan River, it cost us 1.7 million dollars. We built a childcare centre with a governance office in the community of Duck Bay, it cost us 500 thousand. This build cost us five million dollars, we've invested approximately 10 million in the Parkland, and I'm so proud to be metis today."
Manitoba Metis Federation President David Chartrand also spoke at the opening. He says that one thing this building, and all the other MMF buildings in Dauphin brings is opportunity.
This particular area, in my view, is very important. I know how hard it was hit when you see the jail closing down here, you guys took a very strong position, losing all those jobs, losing all those people that are going to be renting or buying homes. So I'm proud to say, this short area here, there'll be about 150 people employed here in the next little while."
The building itself will be home to more than 100 MMF staff that will support programs in the area, and a pharmacy that is expected to open in the new year. At the grand opening, the Northwest Metis Council also unveiled a Louis Riel Statue at the entrance.
From Left: Executive Peter Fleming, Executive Richard Genaille, Vice President Francis Chartrand, and President David Chartrand
