Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Expresses Frustration but Welcomes New Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
July 26, 2023
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) expresses frustration to recent developments in the Canadian government’s cabinet, but looks forward to working with the newly appointed Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Gary Anandasangaree, to address critical issues facing our 62 membership First Nations in Manitoba.
Today, it was announced that the Honourable Minister Marc Miller was reassigned from his position as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and has now taken on the role of Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. While we understand the dynamics of government and the changes that can occur, it is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the loss of an advocate who has shown commitment to many of our causes. Minister Miller’s support has been appreciated, and his efforts to locate and bring home our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ (MMIWG2S+) community members from the Prairie Green Landfill and the Brady Landfill is acknowledged and respected.
Despite these changes, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs still extends a warm welcome to Minister Gary Anandasangaree, who now assumes the significant responsibility of Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. We are hopeful that Minister Anandasangaree will continue the vital work initiated by his predecessor and become a steadfast ally in addressing the ongoing crisis of MMIWG2S+ individuals.
“We hope that Minister Gary Anandasangaree can help us and be an ally for MMIWG2S+ and assist us in bringing our loved ones located in the Prairie Green Landfill and the Brady Landfill home,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs invites Minister Gary Anandasangaree to join the tables of our First Nation leadership, to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration, and to work together towards positive change and reconciliation. Together, we can strive for success for all First Nations and uphold the principles of truth, respect, and understanding.
We acknowledge the significant contributions of former Minister Caroline Bennett, who served as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations from 2019-2021. Minister Bennett led the MMIWG2S+ inquiry, a crucial step in addressing the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, her dedication in signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the First Nations Family Advocate Office has been instrumental in advancing support for First Nations families in Manitoba. We extend our gratitude for her previous work and commitment and wish her well following her announcement that she will not be standing for re-election as a member of Parliament. We look forward to building a strong partnership with Minister Gary Anandasangaree and are confident that, together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of First Nations in the Manitoba region.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 151,000 First Nation citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anishininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.