Updated: Tue Nov. 10 2009 18:00:29

ctvwinnipeg.ca

Marie and Kirby Fontaine were officially announced as the winners of a $50 million lottery at an event Tuesday, marking the biggest single family win in Canadian history.

Kirby pumped his fist in the air and called out to family members at the announcement. Marie said it has brought the start of their "new life." Over the weekend, their bank account jumped from $10 to $50 million.

The couple from Sagkeeng First Nation hopes to look after Kirby's health. He suffered a stroke about a year ago.

Kirby and Marie say they aim to continue living in Sagkeeng but will build a new house. The couple had been living in a mobile home with their two kids.

Their biggest trip to date has been one visit to Alberta, but now they want the travel the world. They also want to help people they care about.

With the money also comes some concern. Kirby and Marie's kids stayed away from the press conference and the couple say they're already taking steps to protect themselves.

"We know who are true friends are," said Marie.

The Western Canada Lottery Corporation says in the last 35 years no winners have ever been in danger because of their newfound fortune.

"People are buying lottery tickets all the time and we need to show that the prizes are being won," said Andrea Marantz from the lottery corporation.

Marie and Kirby say they vow to keep their lives simple, despite the wealth.

"We're doing everything we normally do," said Marie.

- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley