To read this media release in a PDF format, please click here. 

 

For immediate release
January 18, 2022

 

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is issuing this statement to respond to today’s announcement that the Premier of Manitoba has shuffled her cabinet. New Ministers have been appointed into a variety of new roles.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee shared the following:

“It is reassuring to see some continuity in Premier Heather Stefanson’s Cabinet today. I know there are Ministers within this Cabinet who have been working to learn the truth about how First Nations citizens have been treated in the Province of Manitoba in their effort to move forward with changes to build a stronger province. I encourage all Ministers, both new and returning, to continue to engage with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak on the path to reconciliation. I am open to meeting with and working with all the Ministers.

First Nations citizens are more likely to be impacted by COVID-19. We are also disproportionately impacted by chronic health conditions and poverty. As we continue to navigate this tiresome pandemic, I’m urging Premier Stefanson and her Cabinet to continue focusing on supporting Manitobans of all backgrounds in the fight against COVID-19. It is essential we work to protect as many Manitoba citizens as possible so we can make it through this pandemic together. I send my condolences to all those who have lost loved ones to the virus.

It is positive to know Eileen Clarke has been appointed as the Minister of Municipal Affairs. MKO had a productive relationship with Minister Clarke in her past role as Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations. As we have ongoing concerns with the provision of health services in the municipality of Leaf Rapids, my office will be reaching out to her to seek assistance on this matter.

Leaders at all levels must work together in unity on an urgent basis to respond to a wide variety of issues impacting Northern Manitoba. I continue to urge leaders within the provincial government to focus on building their relationships and working towards reconciliation with First Nations in Northern Manitoba.”

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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, MKO Communications
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://mkonation.com/