The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs’ statement in support of federal funding for enhanced Manitoba First Nations responses to COVID-19
August 12, 2020
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
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Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Arlen Dumas issues the following statement in support of the Federal Government’s funding announcement today for on and off-reserve First Nation people in response to COVID-19.
Today, Federal Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Marc Miller announced a further $305 million, as well as investments in personal protective equipment, through the Indigenous Community Support Fund as a second round of funding intended to support First Nations COVID-19 safety programs. The First Nations portion of this funding will be made directly available to First Nations to prepare for and protect residents as they continue to deal with COVID-19.
Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated: “First of all, I commend all our Chiefs in Manitoba for their hard work and continued advocacy on behalf of each of their First Nations. It was with the Manitoba Chiefs’ advocacy efforts, strong direction, and determined dedication on behalf of their people that our Federal counterparts heard the need and put into motion this further funding targeted to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic across our Treaty territories. The collective safety and well-being of First Nations citizens always remains paramount; and we at AMC acknowledge Minister Miller and the Federal Government for their diligence in anticipating further COVID-19 impacts and providing measures that will allow First Nations citizens to safely open their businesses, access schools and education, and continue to safely provide all services through their existing agencies and organizations.”
“First Nation leaders are and have always been in the best position to determine the needs of the people they serve. We commend the Federal Government for acknowledging this, and for further providing funding to be used at the discretion of First Nations to best allot funds where they are most needed in response to COVID-19, There remains much work to do, and the First Nations in Manitoba will continue to strongly advocate to all levels of government once the global pandemic eases,” concluded Grand Chief Dumas.