AMC Names First Nations Leaders to CIC Board, Grand Chief Wilson Says Real Partnership Must Begin with First Nations at the Table
February 10, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
AMC Names First Nations Leaders to CIC Board, Grand Chief Wilson Says Real Partnership Must Begin with First Nations at the Table
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (Tuesday February 10, 2026)-The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) has formally notified the Province of Manitoba of the appointment of two interim First Nations representatives to the proposed Crown Indigenous Corporation (CIC) Board of Directors, following direction from the AMC Chiefs Working Group on Resource and Revenue Sharing.
The interim appointments are:
• Chief Derek Nepinak, Minegoziibe Anishinabe
• Chief Darryl Wastesicoot, York Factory First Nation
“The appointment signals a recognition that treaty implementation needs a vehicle. The CIC is a vehicle to effect a balanced effort to improve economic outcomes in our communities and throughout Manitoba in a long-term and sustainable way. A way that protects and promotes the well-being of our lands, waters, and communities,” said Chief Derek Nepinak of Minegoziibe Anishinabe.
“For First Nations, this is about making sure our voices shape what comes next, not after decisions are made, but from the beginning,” said Chief Darryl Wastesicoot of York Factory First Nation. “Our Nations want economic opportunities that respect our rights, protect our lands and waters, and create real benefits for our people. The work ahead must be guided by partnership, respect, and the direction of First Nations leadership.”
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said the appointments that came after internal leadership discussions reflect a clear message from First Nations leadership, decisions about the future of the lands and resources must include the voices, authority, and leadership of First Nations from the start.
“These interim appointments send a strong signal that First Nations leadership will help shape the path forward, not stand on the sidelines,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “Our Chiefs expect to be part of building solutions that reflect our Nations, our economies, and our future.”
The announcement follows meetings last week with First Nations leadership and the Province in Thompson, where Chiefs discussed the importance of continued dialogue, transparency, and deeper consultation around the Crown Indigenous Corporation.
“But meaningful partnership cannot exist without free, prior, and informed consent,” said Wilson. “Anything less undermines the province’s own commitments to economic reconciliation. Our message is simple: work with us, listen to our Nations, and build something that lasts because it was built together, the right way.”
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 all 63 First Nations in Manitoba, with a total of more than 151,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 per cent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anishininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) people.