New monument to be built on the grounds of the Legislature

The throne speech was closed by a choir of students from Riverbend Community School with the singing of the national anthem in Anishinaabemowin, which was met with applause, including from Indigenous leaders across Manitoba who were in attended, but it wasn’t all cheers, as President of the Manitoba Metis Federation David Chartrand says he wishes the MMF were more involved.

“I think the throne speech was trying to address everyone I’m happy we got mentioned once, but it is a big one for us moving on a great opportunity with hydro,” said Chartrand.

“As long as the hope becomes reality then we have a good throne speech, if hope is there but reality doesn’t step behind it then the throne speech is yelling into the wind.”

Premier Kinew announced a number of promises for First Nations People in Manitoba, including that they are looking to fix the current inaccessibility of First Nation reserves to vote, so everyone has the right to cast a ballot.

“I think people will be shocked that in 2024 First Nations people who live on reserve can’t vote in every election in Manitoba,” said Kinew.

Chartrand adding, “I’m very proud of the First Nations pushing this agenda and at the same time this Premier and this government approving it and correcting that insulting wrong that has carried on too long.”

Also announced was the addition of a new statute, to be commissioned for the front lawn of the legislature building to replace one of Queen Victoria that was toppled by protesters on Canada Day in 2021, which Kinew says will be of a mother bison and her calf to serve as a reminder of the sacred bonds of family that were harmed in the residential school era, which Chartrand hopes will include everyone who was affected.

“I think the symbolism is good, but I hope it’s not just capturing one aspect of our past misery,” said Chartrand.

The government is also to work with cultural institutions, museums, and history and heritage experts to come up with the best way to display the Queen Victoria statue, which was beheaded and covered in paint.