David N. Chartrand, (January 23, 1960) is a Métis politician and activist who has served as the democratically elected President of the Manitoba Métis Federation since 1997. He is the longest serving President of the Manitoba Métis Federation's history, currently serving an eighth term following the 2022 unprecedented mass acclamation of all elected officials. He has also served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Métis National Council from 1997 to 2021 and held a variety of portfolios, prior to the withdrawal of the Manitoba Métis Federation from the Métis National Council in 2021, over concerns that the Métis National Council was allowing the distortion of the nationally accepted definition of Métis.[2]. Early life He was born January 23, 1960, to Martha Chartrand, the fourth of eight children. Raised in Duck Bay, Manitoba, he is the brother of Elbert Chartrand. He was raised in a Salteaux-speaking household, where he learned Red River Métis culture and traditions. Early career When he moved to Winnipeg in 1982, Chartrand started his career working with youth, and later became the manager of The Manor Hotel, from 1982 to 1985. He then worked as a Probation Officer with the Department of Justice for the Province of Manitoba between 1986 and 1990. From 1990 to 1997, he continued his career with the Province of Manitoba, serving as the Executive Director of the Aboriginal Court Worker's Program for the Department of Justice. Political beginnings He was first elected to the Manitoba Métis Federation Board of Directors, from the Winnipeg Region in 1988 and was re-elected four successive times to that position. He has held numerous volunteer positions including Vice-President of the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg, President of the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres, President of the National Association of Friendship Centres and, a founding director and president of Beat the Street, an adult literacy program in Winnipeg. He has also served on the board of the Northern Justice Society (Simon Fraser University) and served as a Board of Director for the Manitoba Métis Federation for 10 years prior to becoming President in 1997. He also served as a member of the Premier's Economic Advisor Committee for the Province of Manitoba. He was preceded in Métis politics by his older brother Elbert Chartrand. Elbert was the executive director of the Swan River Indian and Métis Friendship Centre and served as Manitoba Métis