AMC Responds to Increased Provincial Investment in Winter Roads

January 31, 2025

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba

AMC Communications

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges today’s announcement by the Manitoba government regarding an increased investment of $11.3 million in the construction of winter roads, including an additional $1.8 million in funding. AMC recognizes that winter roads remain essential for First Nations in northern Manitoba, and we welcome the additional resources.

“Winter roads may be the only option for our northern and remote First Nations in providing access to critical supplies and services,” said newly elected Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Increasing funding is a step in the right direction, but we must discuss long-term planning for our Northern communities. I look forward to sitting down with both levels of government to begin those much-needed discussions on a long-term plan for all-season road infrastructure due to the fact that our Nation remains vulnerable to the increasing challenges posed by climate change, unsafe travel conditions and the limited seasonal window for resupply.”

The AMC has consistently advocated for a comprehensive approach to northern transportation infrastructure. In November 2024, the AMC co-hosted a Winter Road Forum with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Federal Minister Patty Hajdu, where First Nations Leadership identified short-, medium-, and long-term strategies, including creating a Northern Road Agency. These discussions will begin in February with impacted First Nations Leadership and ISC staff to ensure that solutions reflect First Nations’ needs and priorities. 

Grand Chief Wilson added. “At the Special Chiefs Assembly this week, leadership spoke about the need to support First Nations with winter roads and the firm commitment required from both levels of government to work with First Nations to ensure adequate funding is available to address infrastructure and supply shortages and to prevent First Nations from having to absorb additional costs to transport essential goods to their reserves.   They have given me the mandate to start those discussions through resolution.”

The AMC is committed to meeting with Manitoba, Canada and impacted Leadership to develop a long-term climate adaptation strategy for First Nations in Manitoba who are reliant on winter roads, including sustainable infrastructure investments and alternative transportation solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on supply chains. This will include discussions to move forward on the creation and operationalization of the Northern Road Agency, ensuring infrastructure planning is led by those most impacted.

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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.