Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Indigenous leaders are hosting a press conference to show support for the Mi’kmaq fishers in Nova Scotia. The press conference will take place at 2:00pm in Winnipeg close to the front steps of the Manitoba Legislative Building at 450 Broadway.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak is joining the Assembly of First Nations, Manitoba Region; Manitoba Metis Federation; and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization to demand that the federal government and RCMP take immediate and appropriate action to protect the guaranteed and inherent rights of Mi’kmaq fishers.

CANCELLED: Our march in support of Mi’kmaq fishers is CANCELLED. We had hoped to host a march where Manitoba residents could show their support of Mi’kmaq fishers, however, due to high rates of COVID-19 in Manitoba, we have decided to cancel it in the interest of protecting the health of Manitoba residents.

Instead, a ceremonial Horse Spirit Ride will take place, beginning with a drum song and prayer at the RCMP D Division. This ceremony is NOT open to the public. Members of the media are welcome. We will broadcast the Horse Spirit Ride on our Facebook event page here.

The Oyate Techa Riders will travel to the Manitoba legislative building, where Indigenous leaders will address media about the issue of Mi’kmaq fishers and why it’s important to Manitoba citizens. The press conference is open to the public to attend. If attending the press conference in person, please:

  • Wear a mask
  • Practice physical distancing (stay six feet away from others)
  • Clean your hands (hand sanitizer will be available)

Stay home if you are ill.

“I express my support and solidarity with our Mi’kmaq brothers and sisters of Nova Scotia. We have a common interest in the fisheries of these waters, within and on the shores of this continent, through our inherent Creator-given rights. I call on the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia to intervene to enable the Mi’kmaq to access and harvest their traditional lobster fishery in a safe and secure manner.”
~Grand Chief Garrison Settee

Join the SCO and MKO Grand Chiefs, the AFN Manitoba Regional Chief, and a representative from the Manitoba Metis Federation on Wednesday, October 21 at a press conference in support of Mi’kmaq fishers. You can find more information about the event here.

 

 

For media inquiries contact:

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

Caitlin Reid, SCO Communications
Phone: (204) 946-1869
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://scoinc.mb.ca/

Marci Riel, Manitoba Metis Federation
Cell: 204-619-1228
Email: [email protected]