For immediate release
July 14, 2021
Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is issuing this statement in response to news that Member of the Legislative Assembly Eileen Clarke has resigned from her position as Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations for Manitoba.
Grand Chief Garrison Settee states:
“Today I send sincere gratitude and appreciation to Eileen Clarke for her many years of public service. With Eileen Clarke in the role of Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations for Manitoba, I was confident that Northern First Nations had a strong ally and friend within the Government of Manitoba.
It is disappointing, yet understandable, that Eileen would resign from her position. This is an act of integrity. It must have been difficult to move forward with any goals connected to reconciliation given the challenging environment Eileen Clarke was working within.
It is unfortunate we are living in a province with such a large proportion of Indigenous people and yet the Premier of Manitoba regularly shares comments that are divisive and untrue. It is impossible to move forward with reconciliation without first acknowledging and understanding the truth about colonization and its goal of destroying Indigenous people.
Eileen Clarke’s resignation sends a strong message to the people of Manitoba. I encourage her colleagues to take note and stand with First Nations people as strong allies. Ms. Clarke can be proud of her contributions and she will remain a true friend and ally to First Nations. Once again, I’d like to thank her for her service and wish her well in the future.”
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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, MKO Communications
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]
