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For immediate release
September 21, 2021

 

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is issuing the following statement in response to the federal election outcome.

MKO’s key priorities include:

  • Clean drinking water
  • Policing and public safety
  • Ensuring adequate housing
  • Children and families
  • Community infrastructure
  • Broadband connectivity
  • Resource equity
  • Addressing the impacts of hydro development
  • First Nation stewardship of traditional waters and lands

MKO Grand Chief Settee states:

“On behalf of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., I extend our congratulations to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government on their re-election yesterday. MKO will be immediately reaching out to the new Cabinet and to Standing Committees of the House of Commons and Senate just as soon as they are appointed or reappointed.

We have been living through difficult times as we continue to feel the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I appreciate the support MKO First Nations have received from the Liberal government as we grapple with this deadly virus.

Conditions in First Nations continue to be difficult as we face housing shortages, lack of infrastructure, access to clean drinking water, poverty, climate change, inadequate health services, the intergenerational effects of the residential school system, First Nation policing, and the impacts of hydro-electric development on our citizens, amongst many other pressing issues.

Now that the Liberal party has received a new mandate, I am urging all elected Members of Parliament to work closely with First Nations in ensuring our Treaty rights are upheld and recognized. There is much work to be done on the path forward to truth and reconciliation. We must work efficiently and cooperatively to close the gaps between First Nations and non-Indigenous communities.

Many promises have been made throughout the campaign and during previous mandates. As the first people of this land, we continue to stand strong and will hold this government accountable to the promises they have made to us.

Thank you to the thousands of Northern Manitoba citizens who stood up to exercise their right to vote in yesterday’s federal election. As First Nations people, it’s essential that we continue to exercise our right to vote.

I also extend my heartfelt appreciation and admiration for all Indigenous candidates who put their name on the ballot. Running for office is a monumental task. I am proud of all the Indigenous citizens who took part in the democratic process in this way. It is my hope you have inspired others to consider running for office in future elections.

I look forward to meeting with the Prime Minister and his Cabinet in the near future.”

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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, Communications Officer
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]