Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs facts for kids
| Predecessor | Manitoba Indian Brotherhood |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1988 |
| Headquarters | 137-476 Madison St, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 1J1 |
|
Grand Chief
|
Cathy Merrick |
|
Main organ
|
Chiefs-in-Assembly |
| Website | manitobachiefs.com |
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is an important group that speaks up for First Nations in Manitoba. It helps 62 out of 63 First Nations in the province. This means it represents over 151,000 First Nation people in Manitoba. The AMC works to make sure their voices are heard on important issues. The current leader is Grand Chief Cathy Merrick from Cross Lake, Manitoba.
A Look Back: The History of 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 was created to give First Nations in Manitoba a strong, united voice.
In 1969, the Canadian government suggested a plan called the "White Paper." This plan wanted to get rid of the Indian Act. The government thought this act was unfair. They wanted to treat all Canadians the same. This would mean ending the special relationship between Indigenous peoples and the government.
The MIB and many other Indigenous leaders strongly disagreed. They believed this plan would harm their rights and unique cultures. In 1971, the MIB presented their own important paper called "Wahbung: Our Tomorrows." This paper explained why the White Paper was a bad idea. Because of this strong opposition, the government dropped its plan in 1970.
By the early 1980s, the MIB faced challenges. Its goals became very complex. Also, different regions had new interests. This led to the MIB eventually ending.
However, First Nations leaders still wanted to work together. In 1987, they held a meeting called the "All Chiefs Unity Assembly." Here, they all agreed on a plan for working together politically. That same year, Louis Stevenson became the first Provincial Leader for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
In 1988, the Chiefs-in-Assembly created a way for First Nations across the province to cooperate. This is how the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and its support office were officially started.
In 1990, the leader's title changed. It became the "Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs." In September 1994, the AMC adopted its own constitution. This is like a rulebook for how the organization works.
Who Has Led the AMC?
Here are the Grand Chiefs who have led the AMC over the years:
| 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 |
| 2022-2022 (incumbent) | Cornell McLean | Lake Manitoba First Nation |
| 2022 | Cathy Merrick | (Cross Lake, Manitoba) |
Groups Working with AMC
The AMC has helped create several important organizations. These groups work on specific issues for First Nations. They include:
- Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC), started in 1998. This group focuses on education.
- Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (TRCM), opened in 2005. It helps people understand treaties.
- First Peoples Economic Growth Fund, started in 2005. This fund helps with economic development.
- First Peoples Development Inc. (FPDI), started in 2012. It also supports economic growth.
- First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, started in 2013. This group works on health and social issues.
See Also
