Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs cautious about proposed Crown-Indigenous Corporation

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) says it will ‘proceed carefully’ with the Manitoba Government following its decision to not commit to the province’s current proposal for a Crown-Indigenous Corporation (MCIC). Still in its early stages, the MCIC intends to allow consultation between Manitoba and Indigenous leaders in the province for review and approval of major infrastructure projects in their traditional territories – while the federal government pushes for ‘nation-building’ projects thanks to Bill C-5, or the One Canadian Economy Act. The AMC decision comes after a Special Chiefs Assembly from Aug. 21 – 22 in Winnipeg, where chiefs and proxies from every First Nation in Manitoba discussed MCIC, sovereignty, and their inherent and treaty rights. AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson says in a statement that chiefs were “cautious” about MCIC’s framework, adding “[its] model includes a 12-seat board, with only 5 seats designated for First Nations – expected to represent all 63 nations in Manitoba and more than 172,000 citizens. ” Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew spoke at the meeting, assuring opportunity for partnership even if they did not move forward with his proposal. AMC says Kinew noted the proposal “marks the first time Manitoba has engaged with First Nations before creating a Crown corporation.” Earlier this month, the Southern Chiefs Organization and Manitoba Métis Federation agreed to engage in the creation and operation of MCIC together through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding. MMF and SCO sign agreement to work toward economic prosperity. They expect the initiative will have equal representation from First Nations and Red River Métis. AMC says it will continue to discuss the proposal at an Annual General Assembly this September. Continue Reading