Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues this statement to mark the World Day of Social Justice. We acknowledge this day to stand as a reminder of the importance of promoting fairness and equity for all First Nations citizens. 

In 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared that February 20 would mark a day for the world to celebrate social justice. Moving forward, this day would recognize the need to promote social justice and tackle issues such as human rights, poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, employment, human rights and social protections.  

AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated, “As First Nations and as a country as a whole, we must continue to ensure that the rights and dignities of all Canadians are equal. Unfortunately, for First Nations citizens, both on reserve and off, inequalities still exist today and are perpetuated by systemic racism in Canada. The AMC will continue to advocate on behalf of all First Nation citizens in Manitoba and across this country.” 

In Canada, social justice means ensuring that everyone – regardless of race, gender, wealth or any other status – is afforded equal rights and opportunities. As a country, Canada has adopted many commitments to social justice, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, there are still many issues that need to be addressed. Current social justice issues in Canada include but are not limited to: 2SLGBTQQIA rights, mental health issues, racial discrimination and violence against women.  

“As First Nations citizens, individually and collectively we will continue to take steps to advance social justice here at home and across this country. We will continue to educate Canadians about social justice issues and speak out as activists, peacefully yet firmly, to ensure that injustices are address and not repeated,” concluded Grand Chief Dumas. 

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