Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre

The Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Inc., (MFNERC) was established in 1998.  The AMC established the MFNERC through a resolution to provide coordinated second and third-level education services to Manitoba’s First Nations schools. It provides services and support to 58 First Nations schools in 49 Manitoba First Nations. The MFNERC provides the province’s leading education, administration, technology, language, and cultural services to First Nations schools in Manitoba.  As mandated by the Chiefs-In-Assembly, the MFNERC is also working on the development of the Manitoba First Nations School System, which is a First Nations-led strategy for a culturally relevant, high-quality education system.

First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba

In 2013, the Chiefs-In-Assembly mandated the creation of a Manitoba First Nations health-incorporated entity to pursue tripartite collaboration for a unified health system.  The goal of the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM) is for First Nations in Manitoba to have increased opportunities to participate in the planning and development of a Unified Health System in Manitoba. The FNHSSM focuses on health policy, research and program development.

Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba

The AMC Chiefs-In-Assembly agreed in 2001 to create the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba in partnership with Canada. The Treaty Office opened in 2005. The current Treaty Commissioner is Loretta Ross.

The TRCM is a neutral body with a mandate to strengthen, rebuild and enhance the Treaty Relationship and mutual respect between First Nations and Manitobans as envisaged by the Treaty Parties. The TRCM enhances and maintains positive intergovernmental relations and cooperation; conducts independent research that advances discussions on Treaty-related issues; and facilitates public understanding of the importance and role of Treaty making in building a stronger and healthier nation.

As part of the partnership, AMC and TRCM have agreed to establish an Elders council. The AMC Council of Elders is guided by their terms of reference and traditional code of ethics and provides guidance to AMC and TRCM. The AMC Chiefs Task Force provides guidance to the AMC Grand Chief and leadership including the Treaty Commissioner in accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement signed in 2003.

AMC has one staff person to assist with coordination activities specific to the AMC-Canada partnership on the TRCM. Gail Flett is the current Treaty Relations Coordinator.

For further information on the past work of Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba and the current day-to-day operations and activities, please visit the TRCM website at trcm.ca.

First Peoples Development Inc.

In 2012, the Executive Council of Chiefs passed a resolution that the First Peoples Development Inc. (FPDI), be the primary agreement holder of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment and Training Strategy (ASETS). The FPDI is governed by a board of directors that is elected from the 34 member First Nations; each community is known as a “Sub-Agreement Holder,” and the FPDI is known as the “Primary Agreement Holder.” The FPDI supports the principle of grassroots or local decision-making while promoting, advocating and addressing the needs of First Nations through their local boards. First Peoples Development Inc. assists members at the community level in developing and delivering their own grassroots-based programs and services that meet regional labour market and employment needs by facilitating partnerships, advocating and co-implementing socioeconomic priorities of the respective members while maintaining accountability.

First Peoples Economic Growth Fund

In 2005, the Chiefs-in-Assembly agreed to enter into a Letter of Understanding with the Government of Manitoba which established the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund. The Fund provides provincial net gaming revenue to First Nations’ economic development opportunities in a number of areas including Job creation, Business Development, Education and training; and Responsible gaming initiatives. 

Clear Sky Connections

Clear Sky is a Not-For-Profit incorporated on March 31, 2017. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) passed resolutions ECC AUG.18-02, JUN-12.07, MAY-09.01, and ECC OCT-03.13 that support the Building the Manitoba First Nations Network of the Future Initiative. Clear Sky Connections was incorporated under the authority of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and was registered as a not-for-profit organization on March 31, 2017. The purpose of the Organization is to facilitate and support the deployment of affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet in all Manitoba First Nations communities where high-speed Internet is not available or otherwise being deployed and facilitate and support the training and employment of First Nations Community residents in the deployment, operation, and maintenance of high-speed internet.