“Letter to Brian Pallister, Premier of Manitoba, from Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO)”. Smoking at VLT (Video Lottery Terminals) sites is about jurisdiction, creating spaces for self-government and taking steps for the revitalization of First Nations laws and the inherent rights of the Nations for which MKO advocates. The MKO does not speak for the Nations as to their own self-determination and governance—the First Nations govern on their lands by their laws and policies as to how to handle smoking and second-hand smoke within their borders, including VLT sites.
The province, and its legacy, had taken steps under the previous government to create spaces for more Indigenous law revitalization and governance over First Nations spaces on reserve. MKO wants the province to continue to do so. This is about the growth of First Nations jurisdiction and steps taken to recognize and accommodate the exercise of the inherent authorities of Nations.