The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, completed a series of discussions with First Nations leadership in Manitoba this week to discuss their priorities and the important work being done to strengthen relationships and build trust with First Nations in the province.
On Monday, January 17, Minister Miller met with Treaty Commissioner Loretta Ross, of the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, to discuss public education, focused research and partnership opportunities with First Nation communities and organizations to best advance the Treaty relationship.
Minister Miller then had a conversation with Grand Chief Arlen Dumas, of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), to discuss topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic response, impacts of residential schools and ways to continue to work together in a manner that allows AMC to support First Nations groups.
Also, the Minister met with the Keewatin Tribal Council for a conversation on topics such as self-determination, COVID-19, housing and economic development opportunities.
Minister Miller also had many productive discussions with the Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief for Manitoba Cindy Woodhouse, including Treaties, enhancing provincial relationships and mutual interests in relation to children and families and, recognizing the work still needed to be done.
Furthermore, Minister Miller met with Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels to discuss the priorities of SCO member First Nations - which include continuing to build up their strong relationship, Nation rebuilding, children and families.
The Minister then met with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee on issues most relevant to northern Manitoba First Nations. Discussions included continuing work to address the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, by-law enforcement and the Sixties Scoop.
On Tuesday, January 18, Minister Miller met with the newly elected Grand Chief Scott Harper of the Island Lake Tribal Council to discuss the Tribal Council's interests and priorities for their Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion table.
The Minister then met with leadership of Fox Lake Cree Nation on the First Nation's Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination discussion table and their Treaty Land Entitlement Claim.
Lastly, Minister Miller met with the Treaty Land Entitlement Committee, along with representatives of Entitlement First Nations signatory to the Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement. Together, they engaged in meaningful, frank, and difficult conversations on the best ways to fulfill the Treaty Land Entitlement claims in Manitoba.
While the Minister had meetings with First Nations over the past two days, he looks forward to working with other Indigenous partners as well as provincial and territorial governments to determine priorities and action plans to advance reconciliation.
