David Chartrand
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg is honouring David Chartrand for his 22 years of leadership and governance within the Metis nation by bestowing an Honorary Doctor of Laws at Autumn Convocation, which runs from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2012. Chartrand was born and raised in the small Metis community of Duck Bay, Manitoba, and from these humble roots grew to become a provincial and national champion of human rights, education, child welfare, economic development, and social justice.
In 1996, Chartrand was elected President and Chairman of the Board of Directors – Manitoba Metis Federation. It is a position he still holds as the longest-serving president of the MMF. During his tenure he has worked hard to strengthen opportunities for youth.
“David Chartrand consistently shows strong leadership as an advocate for the Metis and he has worked tirelessly to improve educational outcomes for Metis students,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “He has been instrumental in partnering with The University of Winnipeg on a number of critically important, results-oriented initiatives including supporting Metis students in the Collegiate Model School and helping UWinnipeg launch Manitoba’s first Indigenous Police Preparation diploma program, which has resulted in more than 35 graduates now working in the criminal justice sector.”
Since 1999, the MMF and its education arm, the Louis Riel Institute, have provided more than $1.5 million in bursaries to Metis students attending UWinnipeg, which the University has matched. The Louis Riel Bursaries support the next generation of Metis leaders who are studying everything from film to physics, education, and economics. In 2008, a $100,000 gift from the MMF allowed UWinnipeg to create the Audreen Hourie Graduate Fellowship, which is open to all Metis graduate students in UWinnipeg’s Indigenous Governance and Masters in Development Practice programs.
Chartrand championed establishment of Louis Riel Day as an annual provincial holiday in February, ensuring all Manitobans learn about Riel’s contributions to this province. Under Chartrand’s administration, the Manitoba Metis Federation’s credibility, stability, strength and membership have steadily increased. In 1997, he was able to re-instate the MMF Land Claims Case, which is presently before the Supreme Court of Canada. In 2008, he signed a Metis Policy Agreement with the Province of Manitoba aimed at helping Metis people achieve greater self-reliance and socio-economic well-being.
Complete details about UWinnipeg’s 2012 Autumn Convocation here.
Celebrating Metis Culture
In partnership with the MMF and the Louis Riel Institute, UWinnipeg is proud to celebrate Metis culture on campus in conjunction with convocation.
These activities will take place on Friday, October 19th:
• cultural and educational displays in the Riddell atrium, including a Red River cart, sash weaving, dress-up/photo booth, scholarship information, and more
• a public lecture by Jason Madden, Metis claims and rights expert (12:30 p.m. in Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall)
• an all-day drop-in reception in UWinnipeg’s Aboriginal Student Services Centre
For information on local events celebrating Metis culture, visit www.louisrielinstitute.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
