MLA Richard Perchotte recognizes local Métis leader
Just about everyone in Selkirk knows Alfred (Bucky) Anderson as the driver of our community’s iconic Métis Music Van. What residents may not know is that he is a huge advocate for Métis culture, putting in the hours to make sure that the Red River Métis community is acknowledged for the role that it has and continues to play in the story of our country.
MLA Richard Perchotte has proven not just to be an advocate for our community in the provincial legislature but also an advocate for the acknowledgement of the many people who make our community a better, stronger place to be. Earlier this month, he acknowledged Anderson’s work in our community at the Manitoba Legislature for all of our province to hear.
In Perchotte’s speech, he started off by talking about Anderson’s leadership, creativity, and heart, which have touched so many lives in our community.
Perchotte called out Anderson’s service to our province in his 2010 election to the Manitoba Métis Federation, where he still and has continuously served as Vice-President of the Interlake Region and the Minister of Culture & Heritage.
Our MLA then went on to talk about how Anderson has been acknowledged in our local community by the Selkirk Biz with a Business Excellence Award and a Community Leadership Award from Promoting Aboriginal Student Success (P.A.S.S.) Anderson has also been immortalized in one of our region’s many murals. You can check out a life-sized depiction of him and his music van in the “The Beat Goes On” mural at Robinson and Main Street in Selkirk.
Perchotte couldn’t talk about Anderson without mentioning his connecting with citizens in meaningful ways, sharing music, history, and hope. There is hardly a celebration in Selkirk that goes by or an event that is fundraising for a good cause where Anderson and his Métis Music Van don’t make an appearance.
When asked why he wanted to make sure that Anderson was acknowledged in a forum where the whole province would see what an impact he’s had on our community, Perchotte said, “Alfred (Bucky) Anderson’s legacy in Selkirk is one of compassion, vision, and service. Selkirk is a better, stronger place because of his leadership, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions. Whether it was securing critical infrastructure or bringing joy to the streets with the Métis Music Van, Minister Anderson always found meaningful ways to connect with and uplift our community.”
Anderson is one of the many people that everyone in our community can thank for making our region a wonderful place to call home.
