AMC coordinates meeting with the Leader of the NDP to discuss Manitoba First Nations’ priorities for the upcoming federal election
August 27, 2021
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues this statement to thank federal NDP leader and incumbent candidate for Burnaby South, Jagmeet Singh, for meeting with the Grand Chiefs and Regional Chief for Manitoba. The AMC acknowledges this very significant effort on the part of Mr. Singh.
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated, “On behalf of the AMC I sincerely thank NDP leader, Jagmeet Singh, for meeting with me and my fellow leaders: Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse and MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee. I would like to acknowledge Winnipeg Centre incumbent Leah Gazan and Elmwood-Transcona incumbent Daniel Blaikie for their participation in discussions. We thank Mr. Singh for the very productive discussion, for presenting the NDP platform on Indigenous reconciliation, and for listening to Manitoba First Nations’ priorities for the upcoming general election.”
“Federal leaders and politicians of all stripes must not only talk to, but listen to the grassroots and First Nations leadership for guidance on the way forward in this country for all,” added Grand Chief Dumas. “First Nations in Manitoba have for decades proposed solutions to the root causes of the persistent social and economic injustices that continue to hamper progress on real and lasting reconciliation with First Nations. If meaningful engagement and real collaboration is to occur, it is incumbent upon all the parties to listen to the leadership, commit to acting, and making First Nations’ priorities the central issue for this current federal election.”
“During our discussions, we also stressed the importance of the First Nations vote for not only this current election but for past elections as well, including the 2015 general election. To this end, the AMC will be coordinating and hosting online town-hall events with each of the federal leaders to encourage First Nations’ participation and to vote in the September 20th general election.”
“I am very pleased that Mr. Singh has committed to participating on behalf of the NDP in these online events, and I urge the leaders of the Liberal of Canada, the Progressive Conservative Party and the Green Party of Canada to show a similar commitment, take advantage of the opportunity, and make themselves available to speak with the First Nations electorate in Manitoba,” concluded Grand Chief Dumas.