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For immediate release
October 26, 2021

 

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is issuing this statement in response to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet shuffle today in Ottawa.

“MKO congratulates all the Members of Parliament who have been chosen for a Cabinet position today,” stated Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “First Nations want to work with people who can change the status quo. We look forward to continuing our relationship with many of the ministers we have engaged in the past and we also seek to build strong relationships with those who are new to Cabinet.”

While all the ministerial appointments and mandates are important to MKO First Nations, MKO is pleased to see Marc Miller retains a role in working with Indigenous people as the new Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. MKO acknowledges Patty Hajdu as the new Minister of Indigenous Services. Her knowledge of health will be essential in assisting First Nations leaderships in transforming health in Northern Manitoba, especially as it relates to the pandemic and our current response to the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As well, the continuing ministerial role of David Lametti as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada is significant to MKO’s groundbreaking work in developing instruments and relationships with the RCMP in response to the pandemic, enabling them to carry out their law enforcement duties within MKO First Nations and the continuing vision of MKO for law enforcement in Northern Manitoba. In conjunction with this portfolio, MKO acknowledges Marco Mendicino as the new Minister for Public Safety.

As well, MKO looks forward to working with the new Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos, as health services and health conditions of MKO First Nation citizens are continuing significant concerns that require transformative change. MKO is also pleased to see the continuing role of Dan Vandal as the Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

“MKO will continue to engage and build relationships with the Prime Minister of the Government of Canada and its Ministers in the context of our mandate to advocate and promote the Aboriginal and Treaty rights of MKO First Nations and its citizens in all areas of the ministerial mandates,” concluded Grand Chief Settee.

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