Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges the Manitoba government’s 2025 Budget, which presents two financial scenarios in response to potential economic shifts. While recognizing the province’s efforts to navigate these uncertainties, AMC emphasizes the importance of meaningful partnerships with First Nations in shaping Manitoba’s economic and social future.

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson expressed a commitment to working with the provincial government to ensure that economic and social policies reflect the realities and priorities of First Nations across Manitoba.

“First Nations in Manitoba are essential partners in building a strong, sustainable future for all those that live in this province. By working together in the spirit of true reconciliation, we can create opportunities that respect First Nations jurisdiction, uphold self-determination, and foster shared prosperity,” said Grand Chief Wilson.

AMC is ready to collaborate with the provincial government to ensure that economic supports, infrastructure investments, and social programs are designed in a way that truly includes and benefits First Nations citizens, both on and off reserve.

The following is the AMC’s analysis of Budget 2025 across key priority areas:

Children and Families

Budget 2025 states a $3 million investment in expanding Children’s disABILITY Services (CDS) to First Nations children on reserve and AMC sees this as a positive step. However, AMC remains committed to ensuring that all aspects of the Sumner-Pruden Manitoba Human Rights Commission settlement agreement are fully implemented, including Home Care services and a collaborative approach to service delivery.

The AMC continues to wait on the Province to establish a working group with First Nations and the federal government to ensure these services are delivered without delay or disruption. However, we must note that Home Care services were entirely excluded from the Budget.   

“The AMC remains fully supportive of the strong advocacy of the Sumner-Pruden family and their fight for justice,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “We welcome Manitoba’s recognition of the need to improve services for First Nations children and look forward to working together to ensure that commitments under the settlement agreement are fully realized,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “By engaging directly with First Nations leadership, we can develop solutions that respect our jurisdiction and ensure equitable services for all First Nations children.”

In the Budget, the province acknowledges that child welfare must return to First Nations control, but words alone are not enough. First Nations children continue to be taken at alarming rates, with this budget failing to deliver real solutions. 

Despite the province’s commitment to supporting First Nations jurisdiction, there is no new funding for Kinship and Customary Care. Instead, funds continue to flow into provincial systems that have failed First Nations families. Manitoba is increasing its funding to the United Way of Winnipeg by $500,000, bringing total support to $2 million, which will expand two programs—NorWest Co-op’s WrapAround and six new CFS liaison positions in Family Resource Centres—both of which remain within a provincial framework rather than empowering First Nations-led approaches. 

“Rather than investing in First Nations jurisdiction and self-determined solutions, the province has chosen to direct additional funding into mainstream organizations, further entrenching a system that continues to exclude First Nations,” stated Grand Chief Wilson, “If the province is serious about reconciliation, it would invest directly in First Nations instead of continuing to fund a system that keeps our children in provincial care.”

MMIWG2S+

The AMC commends the Province of Manitoba for following through on its commitment to support the landfill search, helping to bring Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran home to their families. This long-overdue action is an important and emotional step toward justice. We honour the strength and perseverance of their loved ones, and the advocates who have never stopped fighting for truth, dignity, and closure.

At the same time, Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman) and Tanya Nepinak must not be forgotten. All MMIWG2S+ deserve to be found and brought home. The search for justice does not end here—Manitoba must continue to support families and ensure the necessary resources for comprehensive investigations, healing supports, and community safety.

While Budget 2025 includes positive steps – such as the continuation of the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag Strategy and investments in public safety – there remains no dedicated, distinctions-based funding for MMIWG2S+ initiatives. 

“We must work together to build a framework where First Nations have full leadership in developing and delivering supports for MMIWG2S+ families and survivors,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “By committing to a First Nations-led response, Manitoba can ensure that initiatives, policies and resources reflect our laws, cultures, and the needs of our communities. And we need to continue to work on bringing all of our loved ones home.”

Emergency Management

Budget 2025 includes $80 million for new water bombers, $6.5 million for environmental stewardship, and $50 million for general emergency expenditures. 

AMC appreciates Manitoba’s recognition of the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly with new funding for environmental stewardship and wildfire response. However, there is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration by ensuring that First Nations have the resources, autonomy, and leadership to develop their own emergency response and climate resilience strategies.

“Our communities face disproportionate risks during natural disasters. By working in true partnership, we can ensure that emergency response efforts are led by First Nations and reflect our knowledge and needs,” said Grand Chief Wilson. AMC looks forward to discussing a First Nations-specific emergency preparedness framework with the province, ensuring that all First Nations have the tools and resources needed to protect their citizen, particularly those in remote and northern regions where First Nations face disproportionate risks and barriers in responding to natural disasters. That work requires dedicated funding. 

Environment and Clean Energy

Budget 2025 includes significant investments in Hydro and renewable energy, which create potential opportunities for First Nations partnerships. However, AMC continues to call for the establishment of a First Nations Power Authority and revenue-sharing agreements that recognize the integral role First Nations play in Manitoba’s energy landscape.

The AMC acknowledges the establishment of an Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program for wind power is a positive move forward, and we look forward to being invited to the table to co-develop guidelines and governance structures for the fund that will enable First Nations to overcome historic barriers and to become meaningful equity partners and owners of natural resources and energy projects.  

The AMC did note that climate change adaptation, a critical issue for northern and remote First Nations facing wildfires, flooding, and resource degradation, is largely absent from the budget. Without dedicated funding for Indigenous-led environmental management, Manitoba risks continuing to marginalize First Nations from environmental decision-making and sustainable economic opportunities.

Grand Chief Wilson said, “AMC urges Manitoba to establish a First Nations Power Authority, develop a co-managed First Nations conservation fund, and implement hydro revenue-sharing agreements. First Nations must be part of the decision-making process for environmental and economic sustainability. The AMC looks forward to work toward reconciliation in the area of First Nation environmental justice and climate resilience. Manitoba must include First Nations and invest in First Nations-led systems of stewardship rooted in knowledge, rights, and jurisdiction.”

Economic Development

While the budget includes investments in trade and business development, AMC encourages the province to expand First Nations-specific financing and procurement strategies to support economic self-sufficiency. 

“First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs are key to Manitoba’s economic success,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “We look forward to collaborating with the province on strategies that ensure economic reconciliation is truly realized.”

This budget did not identify expanded business financing and economic development initiatives. There is no expansion of the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund or a First Nations Equity Financing Framework. While the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program for wind power supports renewable energy, it does not address broader business development needs.

A $450,000 allocation to CentrePort Inc. supports trade, but no First Nations-specific trade or procurement strategy is included. Similarly, the $140.8 million for Business Risk Management programs does not prioritize First Nations agricultural ventures.

Grand Chief Wilson stated, “Investing in business financing and land development is crucial to empowering AMC First Nations to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Manitoba must prioritize Treaty Land Entitlement and Urban Reserve development as part of a comprehensive First Nations economic strategy. With direct investment in First Nations businesses, infrastructure, and land development, we can break down systemic barriers and create sustainable, long-term prosperity. First Nations are ready to lead Manitoba’s economic growth”. 

Health and Addictions

The ongoing mental health and addictions crisis requires a holistic, culturally safe response. While investments in housing and sobering centers are helpful, AMC continues to advocate for First Nations-led mental health and addiction treatment services that reflect traditional healing practices and provide long-term support.

“Sustainable funding for First Nations-driven mental health and addiction programs is critical,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “By investing in community-based, culturally appropriate care, we can break the cycle of addiction and support the healing of our citizens.”

Currently, Manitoba lacks a regulatory body for mental health counsellors, creating significant risks for First Nations individuals seeking culturally safe care. Many providers lack cultural competency, deepening mental health disparities and leaving First Nations citizens without appropriate, trauma-informed support.

While initiatives like the $8.9 million “Your Way Home” plan aim to transition individuals from encampments to housing, this initiative unfortunately does not include funding for culturally safe treatment centers. Similarly, sobering centers in Brandon and Thompson received $2.3 million, yet they remain at full capacity with long waitlists, highlighting the urgent need for expanded, Indigenous-led addiction treatment options.

“First Nations deserve mental health and housing solutions that are culturally informed and safe,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “Investing in First Nations-led services and long-term support systems is critical to breaking the cycle of addiction and ensuring our people have access to the care they need. Manitoba must commit to sustainable funding for First Nations-driven mental health and addiction services, ensuring that culturally safe, long-term treatment options are available to those who need them most.”

Housing and Homelessness

AMC acknowledges Manitoba’s investments in social housing and homelessness initiatives but emphasizes the need for First Nations-led housing strategies. Many First Nations citizens experiencing homelessness are not adequately supported through existing provincial programs.

“First Nations must have a leadership role in housing solutions,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “By working in full partnership, we can develop housing and infrastructure programs that truly meet the needs of our citizens, both on and off reserve.”

Budget 2025 commits $78 million to social housing and $73.4 million to the “Your Way Home” Strategy, but unfortunately the AMC does not have any direct involvement in the strategy.  We want to collaborate on these initiatives because other program areas that are underfunded or monies being reprofiled are putting First Nations youth at an even greater risk of homelessness. 

Grand Chief Wilson said, “First Nations must be meaningfully involved in the development and delivery of provincial approaches to housing and homelessness. We are ready to work in partnership with Manitoba to create solutions that meet the unique needs of First Nations and their citizens on and off reserve. Investments in First Nations-specific housing, infrastructure, and youth supports is essential to closing the gap. With targeted funding and true collaboration, we can ensure that all First Nations families have access to safe, stable, and culturally appropriate housing.”

AMC is committed to working with the provincial government to ensure that First Nations priorities are fully included in Manitoba’s economic and social policies. The path to reconciliation requires ongoing dialogue, shared decision-making, and direct investments in First Nations-led solutions.

“This budget presents opportunities for collaboration, and AMC is ready to work with the province to ensure that all First Nations citizens benefit from economic growth, social supports, and self-determined solutions,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “By honouring our jurisdiction and working together, we can build a Manitoba that reflects the rights, needs, and aspirations of First Nations people.”

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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.