August 20, 2021
The Honourable Alan Lagimodiere
Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations
Rom 301 Legislative Building
450 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8
Re: Request for funding to support youth wellness in Northlands Denesuline First Nation
Dear Minister Lagimodiere,
On behalf of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc., I’m writing to you in my capacity as MKO Grand Chief to follow up on a request that was made to your office by Chief Simon Denechezhe of the Northlands Denesuline First Nation.
As you are aware, children and youth throughout Manitoba have lived through many challenging months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As leaders, we are rightfully concerned about the mental wellness of our young people in Northern Manitoba.
It is with these concerns in mind that I write to request your expedient response to Chief Denechezhe’s request for funding in the amount of $200,000 to support the start-up costs to support his community’s youth centre. The operation of this youth centre is essential to supporting the wellness of the young people in Northlands.
As your government takes positive steps towards truth and reconciliation, I urge to you to support the request for funding from Chief Denechezhe. If you need to contact my office, please reach Mark Sweeny by email at [email protected] or on his cell phone at 431-275-2428.
Sincerely,
Grand Chief Garrison Settee
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.
cc: Chief Simon Denechezhe, Northlands Denesuline First Nation
Encl: Letter from Chief Denechzhe to Minister Lagimodiere, July 27, 2021
