Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba—A week ago, we marked one year since Wab Kinew became the first Anishinaabe Premier of Manitoba. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) reflects on the dynamic relationship that has developed between the AMC and the provincial government over the past year. This relationship has been characterized by both significant accomplishments and ongoing challenges in addressing the critical needs of First Nations in Manitoba.

A Year of Collaboration and Positive Steps Forward

The AMC congratulated Premier Kinew on his historic election and expressed optimism for increased collaboration on addressing longstanding First Nations issues. Throughout the year, we acknowledged several key milestones and initiatives introduced by the provincial government:

• Support for searching the Prairie Green Landfill to recover the remains of missing Indigenous women, signalling a willingness to engage with First Nations in these efforts.
• The designation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday.
• Positive developments in health care, including plans to address health inequities and improve access to mental health support.
• Investment in Indigenous economic development and initiatives addressing homelessness.

Advocacy for First Nations-led Approaches

Despite these achievements, the AMC has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of implementing First Nations-specific strategies in areas such as child welfare, health care, housing, economic development, and emergency management. Throughout the year, the AMC has called on the province to work in true partnership with First Nations Leadership:

• Advocating for reforms that honour First Nations’ jurisdiction over child welfare and urging a shift from pan-Indigenous strategies to approaches that address the unique experiences and needs of First Nations.
• Highlighting the importance of a First Nations-led Urban Housing Strategy to tackle the housing crisis and ensure that off-reserve citizens receive adequate support.
• Urging the government to address health care disparities, particularly on-reserve, where the lack of early screening services has led to high rates of diabetes-related amputations.

Calls for Greater Action and Accountability

Despite collaborative efforts, AMC continues to press the provincial government for more decisive actions on several critical issues. Grand Chief Cathy Merrick has expressed concern over areas where the province has fallen short in fulfilling its commitments to First Nations:

• The AMC has called for the provincial government to urgently address the systemic issues within the child welfare system and the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples (MMIWG2S+).
• The AMC has criticized the lack of consultation in formulating key policies, such as provincial bail system reforms and emergency management funding cuts, which directly impact First Nations.
• The provincial government’s recent announcement of an RFP to explore GPS systems on garbage trucks was welcomed; however, AMC emphasized the need to fully implement all recommendations from its feasibility study on MMIWG2S+.

Looking Forward

The past year has seen both progress and challenges in AMC’s relationship with the provincial government. While AMC acknowledges positive steps forward, including Premier Kinew’s openness to collaboration, there remains much work to be done. The AMC remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for First Nations-led solutions that uphold inherent and Treaty rights.

“True partnership requires ongoing dialogue, respect, and action,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy. “We look forward to working with Premier Kinew’s government in addressing systemic inequities and ensuring that First Nations voices are at the forefront of decision-making processes. A shared commitment to reconciliation and meaningful change is essential as we continue to build a future that prioritizes the well-being of First Nations in Manitoba.”

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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 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.