Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges the Federal Cabinet shuffle announced today and is evaluating its implications for First Nations in Manitoba.

AMC recognizes the continued leadership of Minister Gary Anandasangaree, who will now oversee Crown-Indigenous Relations, Northern Affairs, and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. The expansion of his portfolio underscores the federal government’s recognition of the critical link between Indigenous relations and northern development. However, we stress the importance of ensuring that the concerns of First Nations in Manitoba are prioritized within these expanded responsibilities. Minister Anandasangaree’s commitment to advancing reconciliation will remain crucial as we collectively address issues such as resource development, land claims, and access to services in northern and remote First Nations.

AMC also acknowledges the appointment of Manitoba MP Terry Duguid as Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. First Nations in Manitoba must be integral partners in shaping economic development initiatives across the Prairies. Minister Duguid’s role presents an opportunity to advance innovative, First Nations-led economic strategies that honour Treaty rights and foster self-determination.

We note that the shuffle brings new voices to critical portfolios, such as Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities under Minister Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and Transport and Internal Trade under Minister Anita Anand. Both areas are foundational to addressing the infrastructure gaps that persist in First Nations, including housing shortages and the development of all-season roads.

Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy emphasized the importance of building upon existing relationships: “We call on the federal government to work meaningfully with First Nations in Manitoba and across Canada to address ongoing inequities. The AMC looks forward to working with the newly appointed and returning ministers to ensure the priorities of First Nations are front and centre in policy decisions.”

AMC continues to advocate for collaborative engagement with First Nations leadership and communities. As a non-partisan organization representing all 63 First Nations in Manitoba, we will persist in our efforts to hold the federal government accountable to its commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

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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.