AMC Statement Regarding Recent APTN Coverage
July 12, 2025
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) wishes to clarify and correct several inaccuracies that were presented in a recent news segment by APTN regarding our relationship with the Winnipeg Free Press and with APTN itself.
Firstly, the claim that the AMC has “banned” the Winnipeg Free Press is incorrect and misrepresents our position. The AMC has chosen to boycott the Winnipeg Free Press in response to their deeply disrespectful and inappropriate coverage following the passing of our late Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. This was not a “ban,” but rather a principled decision made in defence of the dignity and memory of our Grand Chief, and to call attention to the broader issue of biased and harmful reporting about First Nations leadership. The AMC remains in ongoing discussions regarding appropriate reparations and accountability.
Secondly, the suggestion that the AMC previously “banned” APTN is also untrue. APTN was removed from our mailing list as a result of repeated concerns about their coverage of AMC – including consistent omissions of positive stories and an ongoing pattern of one-sided reporting that misrepresents our leadership and the work of our organization. While we understand the role of journalism is to ask difficult questions, it must be done in a way that upholds truth, balance, and respect.
The AMC continues to advocate for fair, respectful, and culturally informed journalism – journalism that reflects the full scope of our work, our leadership, and the voices of the First Nations we represent. We remain committed to engaging with media partners who are prepared to report responsibly and honour the sacred responsibility we all hold in sharing stories that impact our Nations.
For more information:
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.