AMC Presents Inter-Related Operational Planning Report to all Three Levels of Governments
January 25, 2024
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
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Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is pleased to announce the submission of a comprehensive Inter-Related Operational Planning Report to the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. In collaboration with Long Plain First Nation and with the invaluable contributions of the families of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, the AMC has chosen not to release the report publicly at this time. Instead, we provide key insights and essential information to address media and public concerns.
The Inter-Related Operational Planning Report, a collaborative effort involving ISN Maskwa, an Indigenous-led community support organization specializing in evacuation and emergency response, represents the culmination of a year-long endeavour of rigorous research and collaboration, encompassing intellectual property and integrating various reports and strategic plans related to search and recovery operations at the Prairie Green Landfill.
In a commitment to transparency while safeguarding sensitive information, the AMC and Long Plain First Nation have chosen to share vital findings and key takeaways from the report. This afternoon, First Nations Leadership, family members, and forensic experts provided these insights during a press conference.
The report meticulously outlines the process, emphasizing that the search and recovery timeline is contingent on funding. Urgently, the AMC calls for a definitive commitment from federal, provincial, and municipal governments without further delays or vague assurances. Once funding is secured, our plan is clear: acquire the land, purchase the equipment, and promptly construct a facility for processing items found during the search and recovery process.
“I have submitted the report to all three levels of government yesterday afternoon,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. “Keeping my promise, I’ve taken the necessary steps, and now it’s imperative for the governments to reciprocate. We firmly demand a meeting that includes representatives from all three levels of government, and we will no longer accept anything less.”
The Prairie Green Landfill search operation is set to establish a crucial precedent that reaches beyond the Long Plain First Nation and the families involved, paving the way to prevent future traumatic bureaucratic blockages in search and recovery efforts. The success of this recovery initiative relies on collaborative efforts from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Upon submission of this conclusive report, the AMC anticipates welcoming unified support from all levels of government for both the report and the First Nations-led work plan.
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 171,000 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.