Representative Rebecca Chartrand Contact information

Rebecca Chartrand is a Canadian politician, educator, and Indigenous leader who has made a significant impact in Manitoba’s political landscape. A dedicated member of the Liberal Party of Canada, Chartrand was elected as the Member of Parliament for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski in the 2025 Canadian federal election. Her journey to public office was shaped by decades of experience in education, community advocacy, and Indigenous leadership.

Chartrand is Anishinaabe, Inninew, Dakota, and Métis, with deep roots in Treaty 1 and Treaty 5 territories. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong commitment to Indigenous rights, reconciliation, and community development. She pursued higher education at the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Education in 1997 and a Master of Education in 2016. Her graduate research focused on Anishinaabe pedagogy, emphasizing land-based learning and Indigenous worldviews.

Her career in education has been transformative. Chartrand served as Division Lead for Aboriginal Education at Seven Oaks School Division in Winnipeg, where she led the development of Manitoba’s first Ojibwe bilingual school in 2016. She was instrumental in shaping anti-racism policies and expanding Indigenous student support programs. In 2017, she became Executive Director of Indigenous Strategy at Red River College Polytechnic, where she launched seven new academic programs, secured $1.4 million in funding, and established student support units to enhance Indigenous inclusion in post-secondary education.

Beyond education, Chartrand has been a powerful advocate for Indigenous economic development and cultural revitalization. She served as Vice President of Indspire, a national Indigenous charity that supports education and achievement, where she helped distribute a record $20 million in scholarships to Indigenous students. She also founded the Manitoba Aboriginal Education Awards and the Council for Indigenous Education in Manitoba, now known as Full Circle.

Her leadership extends to national and provincial boards, including the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the Indigenous Education Advisory Council. She has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Indigenous Women in Leadership Award, the Banff Leadership Award, and the Excellence in Education Award from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.

Chartrand’s election as the Member of Parliament for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski marked a significant milestone in her political career. Shortly after her election, she was appointed Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. In these roles, she has focused on strengthening infrastructure, supporting Indigenous communities, and ensuring economic sovereignty for northern regions.

Throughout her career, Chartrand has remained steadfast in her belief that strong leadership is essential for Indigenous empowerment and national progress. Her vision for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski and Canada is one of reconciliation, economic opportunity, and cultural resilience, ensuring that future generations can thrive in a country that values Indigenous knowledge, sustainability, and responsible governance. Her tenure in Parliament continues to reflect her dedication to these principles, making her a prominent figure in Canadian politics.