For immediate release
August 31, 2021

 

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. held its 40th Annual General Assembly in Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba earlier this month. The Assembly was an opportunity for leaders to gather to work on issues of concern to the 26 Northern First Nations that MKO represents.

“This past year was another challenging one for First Nations in Northern Manitoba as we continued to focus on responding to and managing the COVID-19 pandemic,” shared Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “I thank all of the leaders who joined us in Norway House to work on issues of importance to MKO First Nations.”

The Chiefs-in-Assembly passed motions at the Assembly, including motions that MKO:

  • Endorses and supports Shirley Robinson as the Liberal candidate in the upcoming Federal Election to be held on September 20, 2021
  • Encourages First Nation citizens, in the Churchill—Keewatinook Aski riding, to vote for Liberal candidate Shirley Robinson in the upcoming federal election to be held on September 20, 2021

The Chiefs-in-Assembly also passed seven resolutions at the Assembly as follows:

  • Call for National Inquiry into the Sixties Scoop and Permanent Removal of First Nations Children by the Government of Canada
  • Amendments to the Constitution of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.
  • Restoration of our Treaty and Inherent Laws, Jurisdiction, and Governance over the Treaty Lands within MKO First Nation Traditional Territories
  • Board of Directors of the First Nations of Northern Manitoba Child and Family Services Authority
  • Support for Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Area
  • Establishing a Voluntary Regional Economic Initiative
  • Establishment of the Independent Anti-Racism Entity

Leaders also took part in an election for the position of MKO Grand Chief. On Wednesday, August 18, Garrison Settee was re-elected to the position for a second term. MKO livestreamed the election and Assembly on our Facebook page. Videos from the Assembly proceedings are available at: www.facebook.com/MKONorth

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to advocate for First Nations,” stated Grand Chief Settee. “I thank the Northern leaders for electing me for a second term as Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. I look forward to continuing to work with MKO leaders as we continue to push for improvements in Northern Manitoba.”

MKO’s Annual Report provides updates on MKO’s work during the 2020-2021 fiscal year and was released during the Assembly. Anyone interested in reading it can download a copy from our website: https://mkonation.com/mko/wp-content/uploads/MKO_Annual_Report_2021.pdf

The final adopted resolutions will be available on our website here: https://mkonation.com/about-mko/#mko-constitution

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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, MKO Communications
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]