Indigenous leaders say Manitoba government must change its ways or resign
There are more resignations connected to the Pallister government as Indigenous leaders are calling for change.
“We are not here to topple any statues we’re here to topple a government that is racist,” said Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee.
After the two Queen statues were knocked down at the Legislature by some protesters honouring children of residential schools, the Premier made comments that our ancestors were here to build not destroy.
Many in the Indigenous community felt the remarks were revisionist and insensitive.
Two days later Indigenous Relations Minister Eileen Clarke resigned from cabinet, and last Thursday her replacement, Alan Lagimodiere, said the architects of residential schools thought they were doing the right thing.
He has since apologized.
Still, that was the last straw for Darrell Brown.
“I couldn’t stand it anymore,” said Brown.
The Indigenous entrepreneur has resigned from one of the province’s rural economic development boards, and Jamie Willson, a former Treaty Commissioner, has stepped down from a similar board.
Brown says he was already uncomfortable with some of the government’s actions like the ongoing dispute with the Manitoba Métis Federation.
Brown says the premier needs to exit.
“He needs to leave, I think that leadership needs to change, you’ve got to clear all that out and get some fresh faces in there,” said Brown.
In a statement a spokesperson for the premier thanked the outgoing board members for their service.
“Our government remains focused on advancing reconciliation and working respectfully and collaboratively with all Indigenous and all non-Indigenous Manitobans on this important path forward."
On the steps of the Legislature Monday, Indigenous leaders and others from Treaty 5 First Nations released a call to action to stop racism.
They were clear, the government needs to change its ways towards reconciliation or move on.
“If Pallister can’t lead and his cabinet can’t lead they do need to resign,” said Southern Chiefs' Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Arlen Dumas suggested the premier does not listen.
“I’m tired of talking to Pallister, I give him every opportunity to have meaningful dialogue,” said Dumas.
One of the measures Treaty 5 First Nations are calling for is for provincial public servants to be educated on the history of Indigenous people including residential schools.
A spokesperson for Minister Lagimodiere says the department looks forward to reviewing the action plan and working collaboratively.
Lagimodiere was making calls over the weekend with First Nations leaders to repair the damage from his comments.
Settee says if Lagimodiere wants to make progress he needs to meet with them in person.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.