To maintain, strengthen, enhance, lobby for and defend the interests and rights of First Nation people within its jurisdiction and to promote, develop and secure a standard quality of life deemed desirable and acceptable by its First Nations without limiting the generality of the foregoing and the objectives of MKO.
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.
Incorporated in 1981 as the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), MKO is a non-profit, political advocacy organization that provides a collective voice on issues of inherent, Treaty, Aboriginal and human rights for the citizens of the sovereign First Nations we represent. The MKO First Nations are signatory to Treaties 4, 5, 6 and 10.
MKO receives its mandate by resolution of the MKO Chiefs in General Assembly. The Grand Chief, elected for a three-year term, serves as the principal spokesperson. A regionally representative Executive Council of Chiefs provides ongoing direction between General Assemblies.
MKO continues to explore ways to strengthen and promote the interests of First Nations by achieving autonomy and self-sufficiency with respect to all areas that affect the lives of Northern First Nations’ citizens. Our view is that the government powers of the MKO First Nations must be recognized as inherent and our governing systems must have an administrative branch or “civil service” to address the technical and program aspects of the First Nations governments. The full restoration of First Nations’ self-government in Northern Manitoba is envisioned by MKO as a three-part process:
- the repeal or amendment of The Indian Act and the dismantling of the federal government department of Indian and Northern Affairs;
- the transfer of federal and joint federal-provincial programs, services, and related funding allocations directly to First Nations in Manitoba; and
- most importantly, the legal recognition and extension of First Nations’ jurisdiction and self-governing authority over our traditional lands.
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak is the Cree equivalent of northern Manitoba Chiefs. Okimakanak means “made Chiefs,” or those persons who were chosen for the purposes of signing Treaty and who have been elected in subsequent years to govern the affairs of First Nations in a form consistent with the provisions of the federal Indian Act.
MKO Executive Council members also assume responsibility for directing work in specific portfolio areas. The MKO portfolios are:
- Finance
- Administration
- Employment
- Education and Economic Development
- Child Welfare and Women
- Health
- Housing
- Roads
- Transportation and Capital
- Justice
- Land Claims
- Treaty Land Entitlement
- Self-government, Treaty and Bill C-31;
- Natural Resources
- Social Development, Youth and Recreation
- Special Projects
MKO represents citizens of 26 First Nations who are signatories to Treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10
MKO First Nations Communities
- Barren Lands First Nation, Brochet
- Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Oxford House
- Chemawawin Cree Nation, Easterville
- Fox Lake Cree Nation, Gillam
- God’s Lake First Nation, God’s Lake Narrows
- Granville Lake First Nation, Leaf Rapids
- Manto Sipi Cree Nation, God’s River
- Marcel Colomb First Nation, Lynn Lake
- Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Pukatawagan
- Misipawistik Cree Nation, Grand Rapids
- Mosakahiken First Nation, Moose Lake
- Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Nelson House
- Northlands First Nation, Lac Brochet
- Norway House Cree Nation
- Opaskwayak Cree Nation
- O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, South Indian Lake
- Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Cross Lake
- Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, Pelican Rapids
- Sayisi Dene Denesuline Nation, Tadoule Lake
- Shamattawa First Nation
- Sherridon First Nation
- Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Split Lake
- York Factory First Nation, York Landing
- War Lake First Nation, Ilford
- White Water Reserve, Saskatchewan
- Wuskwi Sipihk Cree Nation
Our First Nations leaders provide specific mandates and direction to Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) through resolutions. Our resolutions are posted in PDF format for the following years:
2023
- 2023 MKO Chiefs General Assembly (February 2023)
2022
- 2022 AGA Resolutions
- 2022 CWS Special Assembly Resolutions (March 2022)
- 2022 Chiefs Assembly on Justice and Policing (November 2022)
2021
- 2021 AGA Resolutions
- 2021 Chiefs Assembly on Transformation (November 2021)
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
Read the biography of our current MKO Grand Chief
Photo above taken by George Muswaggon.
If you need a high-resolution photo of Grand Chief Settee, email us to request a copy.
Garrison Settee: Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) Grand Chief
Grand Chief Garrison Settee is from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba. He is Ininiw and was born and raised in a Cree-speaking home. He was raised in a home with strong values and work ethics, where his parents instilled strong spiritual values that keep him grounded to this day.
He attended Frontier Collegiate and R.D. Parker Collegiate in Thompson and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Education degree from Brandon University.
Grand Chief Settee taught First Nation Studies and First Nation Law at the grade 12 level for many years. He introduced his students to the critical issues pertaining to Indigenous rights and treaties. Through his experiences as an educator, both students and Elders encouraged Mr. Settee to allow his name to stand for leadership at the community level.
Answering the call of his students and Elders, Garrison was first elected as Councillor and then nominated and elected as Chief of Pimicikamak. He served as Chief from 2008-2013.
During tenure on Chief and Council of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Mr. Settee was involved with a wide range of Councils and committees, including the Executive Council of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO); the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs Committee on Education; school administrator; and a member of the Peace Keeper Patrol-Gang Violence Strategy.
A gifted orator, Grand Chief Settee is a strong advocate for the North. He was elected as Grand Chief of MKO in August 2018. He was re-elected for a second term in August 2021. In his leadership position, he represents 26 Northern First Nations. He is a strong advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people; children and families impacted by the child welfare system; economic development; and education for First Nations youth. Grand Chief considers it an honour to serve Northern First Nations.
In his spare time, the Grand Chief enjoys reading non-fiction history books and biographies. He enjoys playing music and is learning to speak Anishinaabemowin. Grand Chief Settee resides in Thompson, Manitoba.
Several notable highlights include:
- Represented MKO at UN meetings in Geneva, Switzerland and exposed Canada’s treatment of Indigenous people.
- Represented MKO in lobbying efforts for the implementation of Jordan’s Principle, and after four days Anita Neville, MP for the Liberal Party, brought the issue of Jordan’s Principle to Parliament, and this was the first time it was mentioned in the House.
- As Chief, Garrison was principal proponent to introduce a resolution to demand an inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls at the Assembly of First Nations Assembly. He apologized to the women that not enough was done by the chiefs to pursue the issue of MMIWG.
To contact the Grand Chief, email his assistant Kevin Carlson.
For a general inquiry, please leave a message via the Contact Us page.
Political Team
- Garrison Settee, Grand Chief
- Kevin Carlson, Assistant to the Grand Chief
- Dr. Stewart Hill, Senior Research and Policy Analyst
- Damien Lynxleg, Policy Analyst
- Brennan Manoakeesick, Chief of Staff
- Philip Paul Martin, Communications Officer
- Candice Schneider, Program and Operations Support
- Dorothy Smith, Executive Assistant
- Brenda Wood, Senior Health Analyst
Admin Staff
- Kelvin Lynxleg, Executive Director
- Jordan Big George, Scanner and Custodian
- Charmain Clipping, Client Navigator
- Agnes Dantouze, Finance Manager
- Shawna Flett, Human Resources
- Lacey Fourre, Finance Clerk
- Courtney Gazandlare, Accounts Payables Officer
- Pat Godin, Receptionist
- Virginia Goulet, Assistant to the Executive Director
- Melvin Halkett, Maintenance and Facilities Worker
- Selena Hunter, Payroll & Benefits/Finance Administrator
- Rene Linklater, Mental Wellness Manager
- Jaiden Sandberg, Communications Assistant
- Kayla Sinclair, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
- Sherry Smith, Accounts Payable & Visa Reconciliation
- Phyllis Thorne, Project and Operations Support
Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin (KIM)
- Dr. Barry Lavallee, Chief Executive Officer
- Moriah Davis, Chief Operations Officer
- Diane Kelly, Director of Governance & Strategic Engagement
- George Harms, Chief Financial Officer
- Glenn Johnson, Harm Reduction Coordinator
- Kathleen North, Director, Jordan’s Principle
- Randi Paupanekis, Jordan’s Principle Clinical Liaison
- Michael Dubé, Communications Coordinator
- Marcie Friesen, Director of Operations
- Charlene Brass, Executive Assistant
- Brian Flamand, Mentorship Coordinator
- Dr. Yvette Emerson, Primary Care Advisor
- Dr. Sheila Peters, Primary Care Advisor
- Caroline Chartrand, Senior Nurse Advisor in First Nations Health
Anti-Indigenous Racism Office
- Catherine Stadnichuk, Consultant
- Monique McKay, Senior Advisor
The ISET Program
- Jaye White, ISET Program Director
- Bev Cameron, ISET Finance Officer
- Dolcey Campbell, ISET Receptionist for Thompson
- Wade McKay, ISET Program Coordinator
- Miranda McPherson, ISET Receptionist for Winnipeg
- Josephine Ouskun, ISET Project Assistant
- Carolyn Peckford, ISET Program Coordinator (Child Care)
- Christine Peters, ISET Lead Project Coordinator
- Lawrence Rudrum, ISET Community Engagement Consultant
- Yahnel Tait, ISET Lead Program Coordinator
- Cassie Teichroeb, ISET Executive Assistant to Program Directors
- Marlon Wilson, ISET Project Assistant
Identification Intake; Secure Identification Indian Status Cards
- Gina Spence, Supervisor
- Maggie Dettanikkeaze, SCIS Intake Clerk
- Crystal Halcrow, SCIS Intake Clerk
Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy (TUAS)
- Gina Spence, TUAS Coordinator
Traditional Healers Program
- Duke Beardy, Traditional Healer Program Manager
- Brenda Flett, Medical Transportation Coordinator
- Leona Massan, Traditional Healer Program Administrative Assistant
- Patsy Reid, Traditional Healer Program Benefits Analyst
Indian Residential School Project
- Maegan Courchene, IRS Project Manager
- Stan Manoakeesick, IRS Research Advisor
MMIWG
- Heidi Spence, MMIWG Liaison/Director
- Cade Anderson, MMIWG Traditional Support Worker
- Marie Ballantyne, MMIWG Liaison Unit Grandmother
- Amy Carriere, MMIWG Wellness and Community Support Liaison
- Allyson Fournier, MMIWG Wellness and Community Support Liaison
- Rosalind Gott, MMIWG Wellness and Community Support Liaison
- River Johnson, MMIWG 2SLGBTQQIA+ Coordinator
- Jenny Lay, MMIWG Administrative and Technical Assistant
- Greg Robson, MMIWG Prevention and Healing Initiatives Coordinator
- Jennifer Samuel, MMIWG Executive Assistant
- Martina Saunders, MMIWG Wellness and Community Support Liaison
- Christine Sawatzky, MMIWG Wellness and Community Support Liaison
- Oliver Veuillot, MMIWG Project Officer
Urban Initiative Program
- Shyanna Lynxleg, Urban Initiative Manager
- Matthew McGillvray, Food Bank Intake Worker
- Courtney Saunders, Urban Initiative 26 Feathers Store Supervisor
- Pierre Sinclair, Food Bank Intake Worker
Justice
- Edwin Wood, Justice Program Manager
- Kayla Andrews, Justice Program Administrative Assistant
- Elizabeth Bear, MKO Indigenous Court Worker
- Mary Ann Colon, MKO Indigenous Court Worker
- Rachel Power, Justice Program Assistant Manager
- Charles Wood, Youth Healing Lodge Project Manager
- Hiliary Wood, Youth Engagement Worker
First Nations Justice (FNJS)
- Kimberly Beardy, Regional Community Justice Worker – Thompson/ Case Conference Coordinator
- Arlene Caribou, FNJS Community Justice Worker – Mathias Colomb
- Edward Cook, FNJS Community Justice Worker – Sapotaweyak
- Louise Denechezhe, FNJS Community Justice Worker – Northlands
- Raymond Dumas, FNJS Regional Community Justice Worker – Winnipeg
- Judy Hart, FNJS Community Justice Worker – Bunibonibee
- Cortney Hudson, FNJS Community Justice Worker – Misipawistik
- Terry Linklater, FNJS Community Justice Worker – Nisichawayasihk
- Deborah Patchinose, FNJS Community Justice Worker – Chemawawin
- Hunter Settee-Beardy, Regional Community Justice Worker – Thompson/ Case Conference Coordinator
- Colleen Sinclair, FNJS Community Justice Worker – Mosakahiken
Child Welfare Secretariat
- Shirley Allarie, Director of Child Welfare Secretariat
- Diane Genaille, CWS Community Wellness Worker, Sapotaweyak
- Colin Kinsella, CWS Senior Policy Analyst
- Maryssa Oniske, CWS Community Engagement Coordinator
- Janine Spence, CWS Research Assistant
- Corine Spence, CWS Research Analyst
- Rena Stevenson, CWS Senior Advisor
- Glenn Tssessaze, CWS Community Jurisdiction Worker, Northlands
Mobile Crisis Response Team
- Greg Fontaine, MCRT Manager
- Gregory Anderson, Crisis Response Team Member
- Paulene Ballantyne, Crisis Response Team Member
- Joy Budd, Crisis Response Team Member
- Trevor Constant, Crisis Response Team Member
- Michele Genaille, Crisis Response Team Member
- Charles Harper, Crisis Response Team Member
- Theresa Henderson, Crisis Response Team Member
- Janet Head, Crisis Response Team Member
- Gloria Kejick, Crisis Response Team Member
- Stephanie Landherr, Crisis Response Team Member
- Michelle Mainville, Crisis Response Team Member
- Sharon McIvor, Crisis Response Team Member
- Virginia Moore, MCRT & Mental Health Administrative Assistant
- Jolene Mosiondz, Crisis Response Team Member
- Virginia Nataweyous, Crisis Response Team Intake and Deployment Coordinator
- Mitchell Saunders, LGBTQ2S Crisis Response Team Member
- Trevor Sinclair, Crisis Response Team Intake and Deployment Coordinator
- Darlene Spence, Crisis Response Team Member
- Trudy Stevenson, Crisis Response Team Member
Minoayawin Keewatinowi Askik
- Roxanne Balan, Minoayawin Keewatinowi Askik Project Manager
- Dr. Michael Routledge, Minoayawin Keewatinowi Askik Project Advisor