Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues this statement in response to the Prime Minister and Minister Miller announcement on armed forces assistance for vaccination roll-out in 23 vulnerable First Nations in Manitoba. In his daily update, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the military will be assisting with COVID-19 inoculation for 23 First Nations in Manitoba. Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller reiterated this in his press conference this afternoon.

AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas says, “On behalf of the Assembly, I thank Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Miller for the very much needed armed forces support for expedited and coordinated vaccination roll out for the 23 most vulnerable First Nations in Northern Manitoba, Island Lake and the First Nations on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. I note that it was the direct work of First Nation leadership in Manitoba and the Assembly’s advocacy that made this type of partnership and action possible. This military deployment will require further direction and direct involvement with both the Assembly and the expertise of First Nation leadership in conjunction with the First Nations Pandemic Response Coordination Team (PRCT). This support comes at a critical time as outbreaks have been identified in some First Nations and as COVID-19 variants of concern have spread to some First Nations.”  

“Even with this much needed military support for vaccinations, I encourage First Nation citizens to not let down their guards. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in protecting each other and our Nations, by following public health orders and the public health guidance from the First Nations leadership and the PRCT. With the COVID-19 variants of concern confirmed and identified in our First Nations, it is absolutely critical that all eligible First Nations citizens become vaccinated and continue to follow public health orders,” Grand Chief Dumas added.  

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