Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs celebrates 30 years of leadership this summer
July 17, 2018
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is marking 30 years of leadership this summer. The AMC will host its 30th Annual General Assembly on July 18 and 19 at the South Beach Casino in Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation.
“I am honoured to serve as Grand Chief of Manitoba during AMC’s thirtieth year,” said Grand Chief Arlen Dumas. “The AMC helps First Nations unite with one voice. We have seen many strong leaders enter the Assembly’s circle over these past three decades. These leaders used their wisdom, experience, and leadership skills grounded in our traditional laws and practices to help AMC resist assimilatory government laws, policies, and practices and advocated strenuously to protect our rights.”
“This year the theme for our Assembly and annual report is Legacy and Leadership as we recognize our unique political legacy and the strong, unified foundation left by our former leaders,” explained Grand Chief Dumas. “AMC was created and sustained through the time, effort, sacrifice, and commitment of the leaders. Our ability to live, assert, and defend our sovereign jurisdiction and our inherent Aboriginal and Treaty rights and title is strengthened by the work they did.”
The AMC is the main political organization representing Chiefs from across Manitoba. It provides information on the latest issues in First Nation politics, history, and events. The AMC is involved in policy areas such as Child and Family Services, education, economic development, health, and many others. AMC represents 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 151,000 First Nation citizens in the province.
A few recent achievements from the AMC include:
- the signing of the AMC – Canada Memorandum of Understanding on Child and Family Services Reform;
- developing a strategy to work towards First Nations jurisdiction of child welfare in Manitoba;
- initiating work on a First Nations Universal Health Accord;
- negotiating and signing a multi-year commitment for the First Nations Family Advocate Office;
- negotiating and signing a $1.4 million multi-year commitment for the EAGLE Urban Transition Centre in Winnipeg;
- appointing Treaty Commissioner Loretta Ross for a 5-year term until May 2023;
- hosting the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its Causes and Consequences; and
- advocating and supporting families and survivors by applying for and achieving standing in Parts 2 and 3 of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
The AMC continues to take direction from Chiefs across Manitoba; they provide direction through regular collaborative events such as this week’s Annual General Assembly.
Download our information sheet: Quick Facts on 30 Years of the AMC (PDF file)