Patrice Breland


Patrice Breland was a fur trader and political figure in Manitoba. He represented St. Francois Xavier from 1879 to 1883 in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as a Conservative.He was born in St. Francois Xavier, Manitoba, the son of Pascal Breland and Maria Grant. He was the grandson of Cuthbert Grant. Breland married Helene Dease in 1863. Helen and Patrice had seven children. Breland was one of the many who signed the Cypress Hills Métis Hunting Brigade Petition in 1878. He was a justice of the peace for the North West Territories and served as reeve for the Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier from 1891 to 1892 and from 1895 to 1900. Breland died in St. Francois Xavier at the age of 71.

Early life

Patrice Breland was born in St. Francois Xavier, Manitoba on March 17, 1837. He is the son of Pascal Breland and Maria Grant. His father Pascal was a French Métis leader. Pascal was also a government diplomat. Pascal was born in the Saskatchewan River Valley, June 15, 1811. He was the son of Pierre Du Boishu, dit Berland and Louise Belley. Later after Pascal and family moved to the Red River Settlement he married Maria Grant. Maria Grant, daughter of Cuthbert Grant came from a wealthy family. Pascal became a very wealthy man due to all that he inherited after the passing of Cuthbert Grant in 1854.

Family life

Patrice married Helen Dease. According to Manitoba Historical Society Patrice and Helen had seven children: Tobie, Alexandre, Alfred, Dolphis, Edmond, Josephine, and Virginia. In and article by Lawrence J. Barkwell, Patrice and Helen had eleven children: Marie Rose, Marguerite, Patrice Tobie, Lucie, Emelie, Virginie, Marie Alexandre, Alfred, Patrice, Josephine, and Joseph Edmund.

Manitoba Act

During the time of the creation of the Manitoba Act, the Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia was deciding between a unicameral or bicameral style of government. Decisions were leaning towards a bicameral style government. After leaving Fort Garry the Manitoba Act continued to be in review and the idea of having a Senate was discussed. Throughout this discussion of a Senate, a possible structure and possible candidates were mentioned. Patrice Breland was amongst the list of possible candidates for the Senate.