NationTalk: Treaty One Territory, Manitoba—A week ago, we marked one year since Wab Kinew became the first Anishinaabe Premier of Manitoba. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) reflects on the dynamic relationship that has developed between the AMC and the provincial government over the past year. This relationship has been characterized by both significant accomplishments and ongoing challenges in addressing the critical needs of First Nations in Manitoba.

A Year of Collaboration and Positive Steps Forward

The AMC congratulated Premier Kinew on his historic election and expressed optimism for increased collaboration on addressing longstanding First Nations issues. Throughout the year, we acknowledged several key milestones and initiatives introduced by the provincial government:

• Support for searching the Prairie Green Landfill to recover the remains of missing Indigenous women, signalling a willingness to engage with First Nations in these efforts.
• The designation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday.
• Positive developments in health care, including plans to address health inequities and improve access to mental health support.
• Investment in Indigenous economic development and initiatives addressing homelessness.

Advocacy for First Nations-led Approaches

Despite these achievements, the AMC has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of implementing First Nations-specific strategies in areas such as child welfare, health care, housing, economic development, and emergency management. Throughout the year, the AMC has called on the province to work in true partnership with First Nations Leadership:

• Advocating for reforms that honour First Nations’ jurisdiction over child welfare and urging a shift from pan-Indigenous strategies to approaches that address the unique experiences and needs of First Nations.
• Highlighting the importance of a First Nations-led Urban Housing Strategy to tackle the housing crisis and ensure that off-reserve citizens receive adequate support.
• Urging the government to address health care disparities, particularly on-reserve, where the lack of early screening services has led to high rates of diabetes-related amputations.

Calls for Greater Action and Accountability

Despite collaborative efforts, AMC continues to press the provincial government for more decisive actions on several critical issues. Grand Chief Cathy Merrick has expressed concern over areas where the province has fallen short in fulfilling its commitments to First Nations:

• The AMC has called for the provincial government to urgently address the systemic issues within the child welfare system and the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples (MMIWG2S+).
• The AMC has criticized the lack of consultation in formulating key policies, such as provincial bail system reforms and emergency management funding cuts, which directly impact First Nations.
• The provincial government’s recent announcement of an RFP to explore GPS systems on garbage trucks was welcomed; however, AMC emphasized the need to fully implement all recommendations from its feasibility study on MMIWG2S+.

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For more information, please contact:

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