The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) has donated $1 million to CancerCare Manitoba.

The donation was unveiled by MMF President David Chartrand during his State of the Nation Address at the MMF’s Annual General Assembly on Saturday.

"Cancer is a disease that knows no boundaries, race or social background," says President Chartrand. "I am so proud that my Cabinet unanimously supported the decision to make such a sizeable donation to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. I know this will be money well spent as we all work towards lessening the impacts of this terrible disease for all Manitobans including our Manitoba Métis Community."

CancerCare Manitoba Foundation president Annitta Stenning says it's the largest donation from a Manitoba Indigenous group.

Stenning says the funding will allow for immediate improvements in testing for current patients and will also support research into testing.

MMF’s $1 million donation will help recruit, develop and retain the best and brightest cancer specialists along with providing critical funding to operate a state-of-the-art cancer research centre, the MMF says in a release.

It will also ensure access to clinical trials here in Manitoba and most importantly provides real hope for Manitobans and their families facing a cancer diagnosis.