To view a PDF version of the letter, click here.
November 3, 2021
The Honourable Heather Stefanson
Premier of Manitoba
204 Legislative Building
450 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8
Email: [email protected]
Re: Congratulations on your new role as Premier of Manitoba
Dear Premier Stefanson,
On behalf of the leadership and staff of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc., I would like to congratulate you on your new role as Premier of Manitoba. Although I share my congratulations, I also wish to note it is rather unfortunate we were not invited to participate in this new era and historical event that would set the stage for a new and meaningful relationship between the Province of Manitoba and Indigenous people.
MKO is mandated to provide a collective voice on issues of inherent, Treaty, and human rights for the citizens of the 26 sovereign First Nations we represent. I urge the Government of Manitoba, including the Premier’s office, to work closely with First Nations to ensure our Treaty rights are upheld and recognized.
For your information, MKO’s key priorities include clean drinking water; policing and public safety; ensuring adequate housing; children and families; community infrastructure; connectivity; resource equity; addressing the impacts of hydro development; and First Nation stewardship of traditional waters and lands. I look forward to working with you and your Cabinet on these and other issues.
I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to attend our next MKO Assembly, which is set to take place at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg from November 16 to 18, 2021. This is a good opportunity to connect with First Nations leaders from Northern Manitoba. We invite you to address our leadership during the opening of our Assembly on November 16. If your office would like to confirm your attendance at our Assembly, please contact Dorothy Smith by email at [email protected] or by phone at 204-918-8101.
Sincerely,
Vice Chief David Monias
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.
cc: MKO First Nations
