Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) was pleased to be part of a historic announcement today at The Forks in Winnipeg, where the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, launched the Canada Water Agency (CWA) as a standalone federal entity. Chief Clarence Easter of Chemawawin Cree Nation attended on behalf of Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs at the event, sharing remarks on the importance of this milestone for First Nations in Manitoba.

Chief Easter emphasized the sacredness of water to First Nations, stating, “From a First Nations perspective, water is not just a resource; it is sacred. Our nations have long understood that clean water is vital for our culture, health, and way of life. Protecting our waterways is essential for the well-being of both people and the environment.”

The Canada Water Agency’s mandate to improve freshwater management is a critical step in protecting waterways that sustain First Nations in Manitoba and across Turtle Island, as water is not restricted by man-made borders. “This moment marks a significant step forward in our collective responsibility to safeguard the health of our lakes and rivers and presents a vital opportunity for our efforts to enhance water management and conservation across our province,” said Chief Easter. He highlighted the interconnectedness of Manitoba’s waterways and the importance of clean water for the well-being of First Nation in this province, especially for fishing, harvesting, and cultural practices.

The newly established Canada Water Agency, headquartered in Winnipeg, will lead efforts to restore and protect major water bodies, including Lake Winnipeg, a critical resource for Manitoba’s First Nations. The Agency will play a key role in advancing the Freshwater Action Plan, integrating traditional knowledge systems, and strengthening partnerships with First Nations.

“The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs looks forward to collaborating closely with the Canada Water Agency to ensure that First Nations perspectives and traditional knowledge play a central role in water governance and stewardship. Our partnership with First Nations is now more important than ever as we face the challenges of climate change and the deteriorating health of our water systems,” Chief Easter added.

The AMC remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the Canada Water Agency and other partners to address critical freshwater issues, ensuring that First Nations rights are respected, treaties are honoured, and freshwater ecosystems are protected for future generations.

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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.