NationTalk: Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) continues to sound the alarm over Manitoba’s escalating child poverty crisis. The recently released report, “35 Years In: Manitoba Needs an Anti-Poverty Strategy That Works,” from Campaign 2000 highlights a devastating child poverty rate of 27 per cent in Manitoba – the highest among Canadian provinces and significantly above the national average of 18 per cent. This crisis is disproportionately impacting First Nations children and families, exacerbating long-standing inequities.

The report reveals that 41.6 per cent of First Nations children in Manitoba are living in poverty—a rate over three times higher than that of non-Indigenous children. For those living on reserve, the rate is an alarming 45.8 per cent. The AMC is deeply concerned that year after year, these distressing statistics remain unchanged, reflecting the systemic inequities and historical injustices that continue to harm First Nations peoples.

“These statistics reflect a crisis that First Nations families have been living with for decades,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy. “This is not just about poverty; it’s about systemic neglect and ongoing inequities. Despite repeated calls from AMC Leadership for action, there is still no comprehensive strategy to address the root causes. Manitoba needs to act now to prioritize the well-being of First Nations children.”

The report also highlights the increasing food insecurity in Manitoba, which reached its highest levels in 2023. Critically, the data excludes First Nations on reserve, where food costs are significantly higher. The child welfare system compounds these challenges, with First Nations children in care facing worse health and social outcomes, including higher rates of teen pregnancy, criminalization, and victimization, and often aging out of care without adequate support.

“The child welfare system continues to harm First Nations children instead of protecting them,” said Betsy Kennedy. “We need culturally informed solutions, like a guaranteed basic income for youth aging out of care and investment in community-based supports, to break the cycles of poverty and harm.”

The AMC believes that a joint approach between federal and provincial governments is necessary to address the dire situation facing First Nations children. The AMC supports the report’s goal to reduce child poverty by 50 per cent by 2027 and emphasizes that solutions must address the systemic barriers First Nations families face. The AMC is calling for the development of a collaborative strategy that incorporates short, medium, and long-term solutions to combat child poverty, including:

1. Immediate Access to Basic Needs – Ensuring that all First Nations children have access to adequate food, shelter, and healthcare.
2. Educational Equity – Creating opportunities for quality education and vocational training to break the cycle of poverty.
3. Sustainable Economic Development – Investing in First Nations communities and creating pathways for economic development and job creation.
4. Long-Term Solutions – Addressing the historical and systemic factors that contribute to poverty, including the lack of infrastructure, insufficient funding, and discriminatory policies that have marginalized First Nations peoples for generations.

“The situation demands urgent attention, and we cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy. “It is essential that both the federal and provincial governments work in partnership with First Nations Leadership to create a comprehensive plan that will address the root causes of poverty and ensure a brighter future for our First Nations children.”

The AMC stands ready to collaborate with both levels of government to develop a meaningful strategy to end child poverty in First Nations, both on and off-reserve. It is time to turn words into action and make real, lasting change for our children, families, and Nations.
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For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

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