Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba (July 16, 2026) — The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) stands with Shamattawa First Nation following the Nation’s declaration of a State of Emergency in response to a Hepatitis A outbreak. AMC is supporting Shamattawa First Nation’s call for immediate action to strengthen the public health response and ensure the community has the resources needed to protect the health and well-being of its citizens.

Chief Jordna Hill declared the State of Emergency as Shamattawa First Nation continues responding to the growing outbreak, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced healthcare capacity, coordinated public health measures, and sustained investments to address the longstanding conditions that contribute to the spread of preventable infectious diseases in First Nations communities.

Shamattawa First Nation is a remote northern First Nation in northeastern Manitoba. Like many remote communities, it faces additional challenges in responding to public health emergencies because of limited access to healthcare services and emergency resources.

The declaration comes as Manitoba continues responding to the Hepatitis A outbreak that began in 2025 and has affected several First Nations communities across the province. AMC has continued to emphasize the importance of community-led vaccination efforts, public health education, timely access to healthcare, and investments in clean water, sanitation, healthy housing, and other preventative measures to help reduce the spread of the virus. These efforts remain essential to protecting First Nations communities and strengthening long-term public health capacity.

“This declaration was not made lightly,” said Chief Jordna Hill of Shamattawa First Nation. “Our leadership has taken this step because the health and safety of our citizens must come first. We need immediate support that is led by and works alongside our Nation to protect our people today while addressing the long-standing inequities that continue to place First Nations at greater risk.”

Although Hepatitis A is preventable through vaccination and effective public health measures, many First Nations continue to experience inequitable access to healthcare services, public health resources, housing, clean water, sanitation infrastructure, and culturally safe care. These longstanding systemic inequities increase the vulnerability of remote communities when public health emergencies arise.

“No First Nation should have to declare a State of Emergency because of a preventable public health outbreak,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Shamattawa First Nation should not be carrying this burden alone. Governments must work directly with Chief Hill, Council and the Nation to ensure the community has the immediate resources it needs to respond to this outbreak while making the long-term investments necessary to strengthen First Nations health systems and help prevent future public health emergencies.”

AMC is calling on Manitoba and Canada to work in partnership with Shamattawa First Nation to provide:

• Immediate emergency funding to support the Nation’s outbreak response;
• Additional healthcare personnel, medical supplies, vaccination efforts, and public health resources;
• Coordinated provincial and federal support that respects the leadership and decision-making authority of Shamattawa First Nation;
• Long-term investments in healthcare infrastructure, housing, clean water, sanitation, and preventative public health measures; and
• Continued support for First Nations-led health transformation that addresses the systemic inequities contributing to preventable public health emergencies.

AMC acknowledges the leadership, healthcare professionals, community health representatives, frontline workers, emergency responders, and all those working tirelessly to protect the health and safety of Shamattawa First Nation during this challenging time.

“The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs stands with Chief Jordna Hill, Council, healthcare staff, and the citizens of Shamattawa First Nation,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “We will continue advocating alongside the Nation until the immediate resources and long-term commitments needed to protect First Nations health are in place.”

For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com

About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is the authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba, representing more than 172,000 First Nations citizens. AMC represents the diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho/Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.