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For immediate release
June 5, 2020
Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is issuing this statement to express solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
“The death of George Floyd and countless other Black citizens across North America touches a nerve within First Nations communities,” shared Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “Indigenous peoples in Canada are all too often the target of police brutality, discrimination, and racism. As the Grand Chief for Northern Manitoba, I stand in solidarity with our relatives across Turtle Island who are standing up to ongoing racism and systemic discrimination.”
In 2020, three Indigenous peoples have been shot and killed by the Winnipeg Police. The three victims were Eishia Hudson (age 16); Stewart Andrews (age 22); and Jason Collins (age 36).
“The ongoing killing of Black people by police creates a deep heartache that we relate to strongly as First Nations people. We continue to confront and live with systemic racism, which is clear from the recent shooting deaths of three Indigenous peoples in Winnipeg. I urge Indigenous peoples and communities to stand in solidarity with our Black relatives to address these ongoing injustices together.”
MKO is working on developing a stronger working relationship with the Winnipeg Police to ensure the safety of First Nations citizens living in the City of Winnipeg.
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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, Communications Officer
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://mkonation.com/
