Manitoba Métis Federation honours the Victory of Frog Plain, Battle of Seven Oaks

An over 200-year-old battle that took the lives of 22 people was once again honoured at the Battle of Seven Oaks monument, to recognize a significant turning point in the history of Métis people.

Hundreds came out to mark the 208th anniversary of the Battle of Seven Oaks, which for the Manitoba Métis Federation and many Métis people, is know by a different name.

“We call it the Victory of Frog Plain because there was a song written about it by Gar Falcon, who was one of the first Métis songwriters in our nation’s history,” explained Will Goodon, the Minister of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF).

Minister Goodon spoke about how the day has immense meaning, as he is a descendant of Cuthbert Grant, whose declaration that the Red River Métis are the new Nation was a factor in leading to the battle, along with the Pemmican Wars and the escalating fur trade disputes

“When we’re on our own land and we need to protect ourselves and our families and our way of life it goes to show we will do what needs to be done, and today we use pens instead of bullets, but we will stand up for who we are,” said Goodon.

MMF President David Chartrand also spoke to the hundreds in attendance, saying in the past, the battle was referred to as the massacre of Seven Oaks, with the Red River Métis participants cast in the role of villains, in spite of clear eyewitness reports that it was Governor Semple’s men who instigated the battle.

“Facts prove history and at the end of the day, we know what we are describing is what we found to be the true story of what happened to our people and what happened at the battle here,” said Chartand.

Chartrand says it isn’t just a day to remember, but a history that must live on, saying he hopes Manitoba schools teach the true history of what happened, and that our generation keeps the leaders of tomorrow informed.

“You’re driving by on a Sunday afternoon with your kids, pop by and tell them the story, tell them what this means, why this site is so important, and then they will start to reflect and build that in their history.”