AMC Condemns Mayoral Candidate’s Remarks
September 23, 2022
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
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TREATY ONE TERRITORY, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs issues this statement in response to Winnipeg Mayoral candidate’s comments made at a forum last week indicating that Indigenous men are the cause of violence against Indigenous women.
Deputy Grand Chief Cornell McLean said, “It is appalling that in the year 2022, these types of racist and stereotypical statements are being made. It is even worse that the speaker is someone running politically to lead the City of Winnipeg, home to Canada’s largest Indigenous population. We urge this candidate to make reparations and apologize to First Nations people and reflect on whether such comments inspire reconciliation.”
“Candidates for such high responsibility roles need to come with the knowledge of First Nation issues and their cause and effect. Furthermore, anyone wishing to be Mayor of a municipality should expect to continuously educate themselves on these issues instead of directing blame towards these marginalized and targeted demographics. To perpetuate information that Indigenous men are the cause of MMIWG, takes away from the critical issue that Indigenous women and girls need to be protected and that we all have the responsibility of ensuring this protection,” continued Deputy Grand Chief McLean.
In 2019, the Government of Canada released the report, Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The final report identified 231 Calls for Justice in the area of justice, child welfare, culture, health and wellness, human security, human rights and Indigenous rights, we encourage all mayoral candidates to read and consider its context of the role they are seeking.
“MMIWG is a systemic and societal issue that is linked to the violent impacts of colonization, assimilation, and the continued removal of First Nations children from their homes, lands, and Nations. Reconciliation is a process that requires humility, truth and understanding.” concluded Deputy Grand Chief McLean.