"One hundred and fifty years ago, under the leadership of Louis Riel and the Métis people, Manitoba joined Confederation as Canada's fifth province.
For thousands of years, Manitoba has been home to a number of distinct Indigenous communities, such as the Assiniboine, Cree, Ojibwe, Dakotas, Dene and Inuit. The Métis Nation would also form its own distinct culture that would further shape Manitoba's identity and play a pivotal role in establishing Manitoba as part of confederation.
Manitoba's strength and resiliency comes from the people that call Manitoba home - Indigenous, settlers, newcomers. We thank Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Manitoba who have worked to build the province over the last 150 years and continue to work to support their communities.
This is an opportunity for Manitobans, and all Canadians, to reflect on the past and present and to look forward to the bright future of the province. Part of our present and future is walking the path of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We must also acknowledge past wrongs and chart a new path forward based on the affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.
