AMC Celebrates International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

August 9, 2022

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba

AMC Communications

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues this statement to celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, this significant day is observed each year to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples across the globe. With over 370 Indigenous Peoples living in more than 90 countries worldwide, there is a critical responsibility for the international community to protect our rights and respective cultures.

AMC wishes a happy International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples to our Nations and to Indigenous Peoples around the world. “No matter how physically far apart we might be, we share the common bond of being the original caretakers of Mother Earth,” said Acting Grand Chief Cornell McLean.

“As Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, we encourage everyone to celebrate this day and honour the immeasurable achievements and contributions of Indigenous Peoples worldwide,” said Acting Grand Chief McLean. “And may the provincial governments, federal government, and international leaders respect and uplift all Indigenous Peoples and our cultures.”

As established by the United Nations, this year’s theme is “The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge.” Regardless of the Nation in which one resides, Indigenous women are the foundation of our communities. They play a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of traditional ancestral knowledge, including the preservation of languages. But despite their integral roles, Indigenous women often suffer from intersecting levels of discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, class, and socioeconomic status. This has resulted in increasing levels of poverty, low levels of education, lack of access to healthcare, and an increased risk of domestic and sexual violence (among other barriers).

On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, let us celebrate and honour the women who reclaim their roles as leaders in our Nations. We must ensure that women are involved at all levels of decision-making across governments and Nations and are able to achieve leadership in both grassroots and national roles. Further, we must ensure that they are respected as teachers and Knowledge Keepers who keep our First Nations’ ways alive. It is because of women that our First Nations languages, art, food, and songs have persisted for generations despite relentless cultural genocide attempts.

“In the spirit of benefiting all of humanity, First Nations are striving to keep our original ways alive. To do that, we support the revival of First Nations women’s inherent positions within our Nations,” said Acting Grand Chief McLean. “By honouring First Nations women and ensuring they may thrive without fear of discrimination, bias, or harassment, our Nations will clear a path to where everyone’s rights and cultures are preserved.”

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