Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Releases a Statement on the Provinces Refusal to Honour Orange Shirt Day.

NationTalk: Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is frustrated following the Manitoba government’s continued refusal to make Orange Shirt Day a statutory holiday.

In addition to the lack of progress on Reconciliation efforts in this province, it is disappointing that the government of Manitoba will not make September 30th a provincial holiday.

The purpose of this day is not only to educate Canadians about the history of residential schools but also to build meaningful relationships in the spirit of reconciliation. In making this decision, the government missed a key opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to healing and recognizing First Nations People.

“There was no consultation on whether September 30th should be made a statutory holiday due to the pandemic”. Yet, I as the Grand Chief have not been consulted on this issue in the last six months,” says Cathy Merrick.

As a result of Manitoba’s failure to actively engage in consultations with the First Nations, we are regretting that our relatives who work for provincial organizations are unable to participate in these activities. Grand Chief Cathy Merrick states, “I would like to take this opportunity to recognize all businesses, private sector establishments and organizations that have chosen to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day by closing their operations and giving their employees the opportunity to reflect on the significance of this day and how it affects First Nations peoples”.

AMC is committed to Reconciliation and honouring our truths with our Treaty partners. In order to contribute to the healing process, we call on Canada to commit to its promises and calls for justice by making Orange Shirt Day a statutory holiday.

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Email: media@manitobachiefs.com

About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 151,000 First Nation citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial

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