Chiefs of 11 bands vow to pursue self-determination

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This article was published 28/03/2024 (892 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Eleven First Nations in northern Manitoba have signed a declaration to pursue self-determination one year after proclaiming a regional state of emergency.

The declaration was signed by Keewatin Tribal council chiefs Thursday following a three-day leadership summit in Winnipeg. They agreed to enter into negotiations for self-determination so they are not subject to federal or provincial processes, which they say have not served their communities’ needs.

The First Nations want to form their own government, Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot said.

Part of that, he said, involves taking control over ancestral land.

“We don’t want to recognize Manitoba’s boundaries, Canada’s boundaries anymore. There is no freedom in Canada’s democracy as it is.”

In March 2023, the 11 bands declared a joint state of emergency over lack of access to health care, public safety, and infrastructure in their communities.

They raised concern about the need for all-season roads, more doctors and nurses, and specialized medical equipment, as well as help dealing with the opioid crisis.

“The solutions we have offered Canada got ignored,” Wastesicoot said, adding “it shouldn’t take a self-government agreement to do what is right.”

The state of emergency was called because of chronic underfunding of health services and infrastructure, and that hasn’t changed, the grand chief said.

“Every week, we are forced to bury our people who have died due to suicide, violence, inadequate medical services, drug overdose, complications from diabetes and other entirely preventable circumstances under a discriminatory system,” he said during Thursday’s news conference.

Communities raised concerns about not being consulted when federal and provincial governments make agreements related to resource mining and mineral companies.

Some of the solutions the council has proposed involve prioritizing the construction of all-weather roads, establishing a residential drug treatment centre in the region, and pursuing economic development projects.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca