Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges the progress the Manitoba government has made to date in addressing key priorities for First Nations people in the province. Work is underway on homelessness, public safety and recognition of First Nations jurisdiction over child and family service matters. 

Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy says, “We note from the Throne Speech that the government made a commitment to continuing to work on improving the quality of life for First Nation peoples by addressing housing shortages in urban areas, dealing with addictions, increasing access to healthcare in the north, initiating First Nation language revitalization in schools and supporting economic development initiatives through the creation of the Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures ministry. We recognize that these are important steps in the right direction, and we commend the government for its efforts.

However, we also know that much work remains to ensure that the promises made translate into tangible improvements on the ground. The AMC is encouraged by the government’s intention to engage more with First Nations in the coming years and is open to working collaboratively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for our Nations.

Moving forward, the AMC is committed to establishing a more collaborative approach to addressing the pressing concerns and priorities of our member Nations. The government’s future plans outlined in today’s speech represent an opportunity for real partnership. However, these plans must be grounded in meaningful consultation and respect for the Treaty and inherent rights of First Nations peoples.

First Nations are clear: we seek more than just acknowledgment. We seek to be equal partners in decision-making, with full control over the solutions to the issues that affect our Nations. Together, we can build a path forward that respects First Nations sovereignty and addresses the social, economic, and cultural needs of our peoples.

The AMC looks forward to continued dialogue with the Manitoba government and is ready to engage in constructive discussions that will lead to real and lasting change for First Nations peoples in Manitoba. We remain hopeful that the collaborative approach outlined in the Speech from the Throne will become a reality that benefits all Manitobans, particularly those in our First Nations.”

Child and Family Services

The AMC notes that the Throne Speech made no reference or concrete plan to address the overrepresentation of First Nations children in the provincial child welfare system.

“It is unfortunate that the Throne Speech did not address this critical issue. While the Manitoba 2023/24 Families Annual Report recorded a minimal decrease in the total number of children in care, the proportion of First Nations children in care continues to grow. Our children remain disconnected from their families, culture, and Nations, losing their sense of identity and belonging. The AMC hopes the province remains committed to supporting First Nations’ approaches to reform the genocidal legislation and policies that harm First Nations,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

Early Learning and Child Care

The AMC welcomes Manitoba’s recognition that quality programs in early learning and childcare rely on a strong workforce and appreciates the invitation to participate in the province’s workforce recruitment and retention strategy.

“Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) has invited AMC to participate in the workforce recruitment and retention strategy for the development of a multilateral workforce for early learning and childcare. AMC appreciates the opportunity to provide our insights and feedback to ensure the approach is inclusive, effective, and aligned with the priorities of First Nations Early Learning and Child Care,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

This collaboration is a positive step forward, and the AMC is committed to ensuring that First Nations perspectives and priorities shape the future of early learning and childcare programs in Manitoba.

Economic Reconciliation and Environment

The AMC acknowledges the government’s Indigenous loan guarantee program, no increase to Hydro Rates, and partnerships on clean energy projects. However, there is no clear First Nations-specific approach to ensure equitable benefit for all AMC member First Nations.

“Economic reconciliation means First Nations must be equal partners in resource development, with full revenue-sharing agreements and respect for our Treaty and inherent rights to the land,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

The AMC supports the commitment to protecting Manitoba’s natural resources, including Lake Winnipeg.

“First Nations have been the protectors of these lands and waters for generations. The AMC looks forward to Manitoba’s approach to recognize First Nations’ role as stewards of the land and involve our leadership and Elders and Knowledge Keepers,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

The AMC welcomes the province’s commitment to a one-year hydro rate freeze starting in 2025.

“We are very pleased with this commitment and see it as a significant step toward addressing the energy poverty that First Nations experience. We are encouraged by this action and look forward to working with the Province of Manitoba on further policy changes to equitably tackle the energy challenges confronting our First Nations,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

Education

The AMC welcomes the government’s focus on reintroducing First Nations languages in classrooms and addressing barriers to voting in school board elections for First Nations people. These are steps in the right direction, but there is an opportunity to deepen this commitment.

“Education was once used to harm us. Today, it must empower us. Let’s work together to ensure that First Nations languages, histories, and ways of knowing are at the heart of Manitoba’s education system,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

The AMC emphasizes that public strategies affecting First Nations education must prioritize meaningful engagement with First Nations to ensure that programs truly reflect their needs and values.

Healthcare

The AMC recognizes and commends the provincial government for strides made within the healthcare system over the past year and remains cautiously optimistic about the plans for the next year. However, the AMC urges the province to ensure First Nations-specific involvement in the development and implementation of healthcare strategies.  The AMC’s Eagle Urban Transition Centre is an often-overlooked resource for collaboration in the area of Mental Health and Addictions, offering direct, daily support to Urban First Nation citizens.

“The AMC continues to emphasize the need for First Nations-specific involvement in developing equitable healthcare solutions. We urge the government to prioritize treatment facilities to combat the addictions crisis that continues to affect First Nation in Manitoba. The crisis cannot be addressed without First Nations co-developing the pathway forward to ensure that treatment facilities are culturally appropriate and delivered according to our customs, traditions, and beliefs,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

Additionally, the AMC is prepared to partner with the province on its Emergency Room Wait Time Strategy to address long-standing systemic barriers for First Nations citizens.

“We look forward to an invite from the province to be a partner in the development of their ER Wait Time Strategy. First Nations citizens have repeatedly experienced discriminatory treatment in emergency rooms within the province, and we cannot see a way forward without direct involvement in the strategy to alleviate wait times,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

While mobile MRI services for northern communities are a positive step, the AMC stresses the need for sustainable, community-driven solutions for First Nations healthcare access.

“First Nations need long-term investments in First Nations-led healthcare, and culturally appropriate services will ensure every family has access to the care they need, close to home,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

Housing and the Unhoused

The AMC notes the lack of clear action or future activities regarding homelessness in urban centres such as Winnipeg, Thompson, and Brandon. With increasing numbers of First Nations people migrating to these cities, finding safe, affordable, and reliable housing remains a significant challenge, particularly for those without a rental history.

“Many of the unhoused relatives we see on the streets and in encampments are from First Nations. It is essential that First Nations have a seat at the table to help shape urban housing strategies, as outlined in our recent letter to the Minister. First Nations leadership is critical to addressing these challenges in a way that respects our citizens’ unique needs and circumstances. We look forward to tangible commitments that will provide more affordable housing specifically for low-income families and unhoused individuals.,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

“With the government of Manitoba highlighting good jobs and homeownership incentives, then the AMC must also prioritize programs like Manitoba Tipi Mitawa. Homeownership creates stability for families and strengthens our First Nations and communities while benefiting the broader economy. Continued investment in this program is essential,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

AMC remains committed to advocating for housing solutions that reflect the unique challenges First Nations people face and calls for the government to prioritize the development of safe, affordable housing strategies for First Nations in urban and rural areas.

MMIWG2S+

There continues to be an ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ people (MMIWG2S+). While the Speech from the Throne highlights its public safety strategy, there remains a lot of work that the province can do with First Nations.

“Protecting First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals requires working with First Nations on concrete action plans, funding for safety programs, and accountability to all MMIWG2S+ families living on and off-reserve, and I look forward to the government of Manitoba to do that in the near future,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

Reconciliation and Residential Schools

The AMC commends the government’s intent to honour the residential school era through a statue of a mother and child bison, symbolizing family and healing. However, reconciliation must go beyond symbolic gestures.

“Symbols have their place, but true reconciliation means supporting Survivors, investing in healing initiatives, and ensuring First Nations are partners in shaping these efforts. We invite the government to work with us to bring these symbols to life in meaningful ways,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

Treaty Implementation and Recognition

The AMC notes that the speech from the Throne did not mention honouring of First Nations treaties. Treaties are viewed not only as legal agreements, but as sacred, binding covenants grounded in a spiritual relationship with the Creator, and an enduring commitment to uphold peace and balance within the natural world for future generations.

Acting Grand Chief Kennedy says, “The government of Manitoba has a critical role and responsibility in honouring Treaties and supporting, rather than hindering, their implementation. Treaties were not entered into with provincial entities, so any role the province of Manitoba assumes in relation to Treaties must be guided by respect for the original commitments and the inherent rights of First Nations as sovereign Nations. We hope Manitoba will support the federal government’s Treaty obligations by complementing, rather than undermining, federal commitments, especially in areas where provincial actions may impact Treaty rights. Manitoba must ensure that provincial policies and practices align with Treaty rights, particularly in resource management, by providing First Nations with access to traditional lands and resources as outlined in Treaties. Additionally, the province must commit to substantive policy and legislative reform in partnership with First Nations to properly implement, recognize, and respect First Nations’ Treaty and inherent rights.”

UNDRIP

Though not mentioned in today’s Throne Speech, the AMC calls on Manitoba to implement Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #43, which calls on all levels of government to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework. Doing so would align the province’s policies and actions with international standards for First People’s rights and self-determination.

“The AMC looks forward to working with Manitoba to give effect to the UNDRIP as an essential activity for advancing reconciliation and ensuring First Nations rights are fully recognized and respected,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy

2SLGBTQQIA+ Inclusion

The AMC recognizes the government’s stated efforts to support gender-diverse individuals through a strategy to empower Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people, as well as initiatives to address intimate partner violence. These commitments are a step forward but lack sufficient detail and tangible action plans.

The AMC is deeply concerned by the limited mention of Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ individuals in broader provincial strategies. Apart from a reference to seniors’ housing for the Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ community, there is no clear framework for addressing the systemic inequities faced by Two-Spirit and gender-diverse individuals.

“While we acknowledge the commitments to uplifting Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people, the absence of a comprehensive plan to address the unique challenges faced by Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ individuals is concerning. The AMC looks forward to working with the province to develop strategies, approaches and policies to recognize the important roles of Two-Spirit people within our Nations and honour their place in our First Nations and communities,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

Additionally, while the government’s efforts to recognize coercive control and address intimate partner violence are appreciated, these strategies must also explicitly include culturally informed supports for Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ individuals.

Conclusion

Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy concluded, “The AMC hopes that the commitments outlined in the Throne Speech lead to a productive working relationship in all areas. The AMC will closely monitor the Government of Manitoba’s follow-through on these important commitments while also working with the province to create a future for AMC First Nations that is rooted in First Nation sovereignty and the Treaty relationship with the Crown, respect, equity, and reconciliation.”

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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.