Manitoba MLAs honoured as first First Nations women in cabinet
Two Manitoba cabinet ministers have been honoured by the Indigenous community for their place in history.
MLAs Bernadette Smith and Nahanni Fontaine were the guests of honour at the Winnipeg Art Gallery Sunday afternoon. The two have been named as cabinet ministers in the new session of the Manitoba legislative assembly.
Smith is Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness, while Fontaine is Minister of Families.
They are the first First Nations women to be appointed as ministers within the government of Manitoba, and were honoured as such by members of Winnipeg's Indigenous community.
"Never did I ever think that this would be something that I would ever see in my lifetime, let alone see my sister and I here today," said Smith.
Fontaine and Smith took part in a drum circle at the event, and were presented with starblankets and gifts in recognition of their accomplishments and leadership in the community.
Fontaine thanked those bestowing the honour, "I think it is something extraordinary to be lifted up and acknowledged as a matriarch by the matriarchs in our community," she said.
"This means a lot to me," said Smith. "I will work really hard for our community each and every day, and I take this responsibility as a sacred responsibility."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
2nd woman found dead in English Bay: Vancouver police
For the second time in as many days, a woman's body was found near Vancouver's shoreline Monday.
2 Albertans accused of threatening to kill Trudeau, Freeland, Singh
Men from Edmonton and Calgary are accused of threatening to kill some of Canada's top government leaders.
Athletes show off stylish and expensive team clothing for the 2024 Olympic Games
Canadian athletes attempting to reach the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will also be looking fashionable for the entire world to see.
Harris has support of enough Democratic delegates to become party's presidential nominee: AP survey
Vice-President Kamala Harris has secured the support of enough Democratic delegates to become her party's nominee against Republican Donald Trump, according to an Associated Press survey taken in the aftermath of President Joe Biden's decision to drop his bid for re-election.
Four suicides in New Zealand linked to Ontario's Kenneth Law
New Zealand's coroner has ruled that four of its citizens died after ordering products from an Ontario man who is facing murder charges for selling poisonous substances.
Toronto woman charged with voyeurism after taking 'intimate' photos during massage: police
A Toronto woman who allegedly took 'intimate' photos of an individual who was getting a massage has been charged with voyeurism, police say.
IN PICTURES Here's what Calgary's new event centre 'Scotia Place' will look like
The name of Calgary’s new event centre was unveiled on Monday. The arena will be called Scotia Place.
Harris steps into the limelight. And the coconut trees and memes have followed
If you're trying to get up to speed on Vice President Kamala Harris' swift emergence as Democrats' possible nominee this fall, you really need to know your memes.
These are the four leading vice-presidential picks for Kamala Harris' campaign
No one knows the importance of selecting the right running mate better than Vice President Kamala Harris.