NationTalk: Treaty One Territory, Manitoba — Earlier this month, the Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canada to enhance the implementation of Jordan’s Principle for First Nations children, youth and families in Manitoba. This agreement, five years in the making, signifies a joint commitment to supporting the rights and well-being of AMC-member First Nations across the region.
These discussions culminated in joint efforts to draft the MOU, overcoming challenges to secure commitments from both sides to address systemic issues in service delivery and promote a more equitable approach to the implementation of Jordan’s Principle.
“The MOU represents a historic step forward in our ongoing efforts to ensure that First Nations children receive the services and support they deserve,” said AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. “It acknowledges the legacy of Jordan River Anderson and the importance of upholding human rights decisions that emphasize non-discrimination in service provision.”
Key elements of the MOU include provisions to support First Nations self-determination by advocating for AMC-member First Nations to lead the implementation of Jordan’s Principle. This includes involving First Nations Leadership through the Jordan’s Principle Equity Roundtable to ensure that decisions are made by those directly impacted.
Furthermore, the MOU prioritizes capacity building and a long-term vision and focuses on enhancing First Nations’ capacity to address health, social, and educational needs without jurisdictional delays or denials.
“As we implement this MOU, it is crucial to uphold the authority of the Chiefs-in-Assembly and ensure that decisions are guided by those who understand the unique challenges and needs of our First Nations,” added Grand Chief Merrick.
“This is an important day for First Nations children in Manitoba,” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada. “First Nations communities know best what their children need, so they should be the ones leading services meant for them. Culturally appropriate and community-led services are essential for every child to have a fair chance to succeed in life.”
The signing of this MOU signifies a commitment from both AMC and Canada to work collaboratively towards a future where all First Nations children have access to equitable services that support their growth and well-being.
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 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.