Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs facts for kids
| Predecessor | Manitoba Indian Brotherhood |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1988 |
| Headquarters | 137-476 Madison St, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 1J1 |
|
Grand Chief
|
Kyra Wilson |
|
Main organ
|
Chiefs-in-Assembly |
| Website | manitobachiefs.com |
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is an organization that speaks up for First Nations in Manitoba. It represents all 63 First Nations communities in the province. The AMC works to help over 151,000 First Nation citizens in Manitoba.
The current Grand Chief is Kyra Wilson. She helps lead the organization and its work.
Contents
History of the AMC
Before the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, there was a group called the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood (MIB). It started in the late 1960s. The MIB's goal was to give First Nations in Manitoba a strong, united voice.
Standing Up for Rights
In 1969, the Canadian government proposed a plan called the "White Paper." This plan suggested getting rid of the Indian Act. The Indian Act is a law that deals with First Nations peoples in Canada. The government thought removing it would make everyone equal.
However, many Indigenous leaders, including the MIB, disagreed. They believed it would take away their special rights and legal status. The MIB wrote their own important paper called "Wahbung: Our Tomorrows." This paper explained why the government's plan was not good for First Nations. Because of strong opposition from Indigenous leaders, the government stopped its "White Paper" plan in 1970. The MIB presented their paper to the government in 1971.
Forming the AMC
By the early 1980s, the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood faced challenges. It had many tasks and new regional groups were forming. Because of this, the MIB eventually ended.
In 1987, First Nations leaders came together for an "All Chiefs Unity Assembly." They agreed on ideas for political unity. That same year, Louis Stevenson became the first Provincial Leader for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. In 1988, the Chiefs-in-Assembly created a plan for First Nations to work together across the province. This plan set up the basic structure and purpose for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. It also created its main office, called a secretariat.
In 1990, the title "Provincial Leader" changed to "Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs." In September 1994, the AMC officially adopted its own constitution. This document outlines how the organization works.
Grand Chiefs of the AMC
| Term / year elected | Grand Chief | Nation |
|---|---|---|
| 1987–1989 | Louis Stevenson | Peguis First Nation |
| 1989–1997 | Phil Fontaine | Sagkeeng First Nation |
| 1997–2000 | Rod Bushie | Hollow Water First Nation |
| 2000–2005 | Dennis White Bird | Rolling River First Nation |
| 2005–2011 | Ron Evans | Norway House Cree Nation |
| 2011–2017 | Derek Nepinak | Minegoziibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek First Nation) |
| 2017–2022 | Arlen Dumas | Mathias Colomb Cree Nation |
| 2022 | Eric Redhead, acting | Shamattawa First Nation |
| 2022–2022 | Cornell McLean, acting | Lake Manitoba First Nation |
| 2022–2024 | Cathy Merrick | Cross Lake First Nation |
| 2024–2025 | Betsy Kennedy, acting | War Lake First Nation |
| 2025–present | Kyra Wilson | Long Plain First Nation |
Organizations Supported by AMC
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs supports several important organizations. These groups help First Nations in different areas:
- Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC), started in 1998. It helps with education.
- Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (TRCM), opened in 2005. It works on understanding treaties.
- First Peoples Economic Growth Fund, started in 2005. It helps with economic development.
- First Peoples Development Inc. (FPDI), started in 2012. It also supports development.
- First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, started in 2013. It focuses on health and social services.
