Statement from AMC Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy on the Historic Human Rights Settlement
October 8, 2024
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – On behalf of the AMC, I recognize the historic human rights settlement agreement signed on October 7, 2024, between the Sumner-Pruden family, the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, and the Manitoba Government.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has stood alongside the Sumner-Pruden family in pursuing justice for their son Dewey and all First Nations children facing systemic barriers to accessing critical services. This settlement is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of Dewey, his family, and Pinaymootang First Nation. It also serves as a reminder that much work remains to ensure all First Nations children can access essential care.
This agreement is also part of AMC’s broader advocacy, which includes our continued work on Jordan’s Principle. Inspired by the life of Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation, Jordan’s Principle has become a crucial legal mechanism to ensure that First Nations children receive necessary services without delay. Dewey’s case, like Jordan’s, highlights the ongoing need for equitable services for First Nations children on-reserve.
The signing of this settlement is a significant step towards realizing the full promise of Jordan’s Principle for all First Nations children in Manitoba and across Canada. The AMC is especially pleased that this agreement includes forming a working group involving Canada and First Nations governments to ensure that Children disABILITY Services (CDS) and Home Care services are delivered promptly and without disruption to children on-reserve. This is a vital measure to prevent further gaps in care.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy said:
The AMC applauds the determination of the Sumner-Pruden family and the advocacy of the Public Interest Law Centre in bringing this matter to justice. This landmark agreement addresses a long-standing injustice, marking a victory not only for Alfred ‘Dewey’ Pruden and his family but also for all AMC member First Nations children with disabilities living on-reserve.
While the federal government is primarily responsible for on-reserve services, it is essential that provincial programs are adequately supported to meet these needs. First Nations have endured this discrimination for too long, and we commend the province of Manitoba for finally agreeing to end it.
There is an urgent need for culturally appropriate, First Nations-led programs to serve both on- and off-reserve citizens at every stage of life. We must also recognize the critical gap identified by First Nations leadership, families, and workers regarding services for individuals aging out of Jordan’s Principle—a pressing issue that demand immediate action. The AMC calls on Canada and Manitoba to not only acknowledge this gap but to take decisive steps to resolve it, ensuring equity and justice for all First Nations.
As AMC member First Nations move towards greater jurisdiction over health and social services, we look forward to working with Manitoba to ensure that all First Nations children and adults with disabilities in Manitoba receive the care and services they deserve. Today’s achievement moves us closer to co-creating a future of equity and justice for First Nations.
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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.