Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the third Monday in February, which is today, the province of Manitoba celebrates Louis Riel Day. I’d also like to take the opportunity today to mention the contribution of the Metis people in my region.

Mr. Speaker, a little history: Louis Riel was born in 1844, the eldest son of a prominent Metis family based in St. Boniface, Winnipeg’s French quarter. When Riel’s people, the Red River Metis’ way of life was threatened in Canada’s plans to annex Hudson Bay’s land, he acted with strength. He formed a resistance group. He stopped the surveyors from encroaching onto their lands and then began the Red River Resistance. He fought for his land and for his people. During the winter of 1869-70, Riel formed a provisional government and presented Canada with the Bill of Rights that would become the Manitoba Act of 1870. Today, Riel is widely celebrated as the father of Manitoba.

Like Riel, the Metis in the Sahtu were always strong and decisive people. They were known as builders

in the literal sense, building cabins and traplines and communities. Also, in the figurative sense, building bridges between the two worlds.

The Sahtu Dene and Metis Land Claim Settlement Act of 1994 was the first land claim settlement to include Metis people. It’s a unique landmark in the northern Aboriginal governments and in Canada. Shortly after the settlement was reached, the Sahtu Nation was born. Among its founders were the three Metis Land Corp settlement corporations. The Sahtu Secretariat has subsequently become responsible for a wide range of activities in the Sahtu Settlement Area, clearly outlining its jurisdiction.

I stand in tribute today to Louis Riel and all the Metis people who have bravely protected their traditional lands and livelihoods. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.