Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Responds to Court Decision Upholding Advocacy for Residential School Survivors
May 5, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (May 5, 2026) – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges the recent decision in Morton v. Union of BC Indian Chiefs, as highlighted by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
In this case, the Supreme Court of British Columbia dismissed the defamation claim brought against UBCIC and affirmed the importance of protecting advocacy that stands with residential school Survivors. The Court recognized that confronting harmful misinformation in the public sphere—especially denialism about residential schools—is necessary.
“This decision matters. It confirms that standing with Survivors and speaking the truth about residential schools is not wrong—it is required,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Survivors have been telling these truths for generations. Too often they were doubted or ignored, but they continued to speak—for themselves, for the children who never came home, and for those who still need to understand and be educated on what happened.”
Grand Chief Wilson said the ruling reinforces the responsibility to honour Survivors and challenge misinformation when it causes harm.
“Our Knowledge Keepers have always been clear: truth is not something to debate. It is something to honour. When Survivors speak, our role is to listen and stand with them, not to question what they have lived through,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “There are still efforts to deny or minimize what happened. That causes real harm. This ruling makes it clear that misinformation must be challenged, and that those who defend Survivors are carrying out a responsibility to our people.”
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs reaffirms its commitment to supporting Survivors, protecting their dignity, and ensuring that the truth about residential schools is upheld.
“This is not the end of the work,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “We will continue to support Survivors and ensure their voices are respected and protected.”
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.