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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
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.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.