Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs 'insulted' over exclusion from Stefanson's swearing in ceremony

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) said it is insulted and offended that First Nations leadership was not invited to Premier Heather Stefanson’s swearing in ceremony.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) said it is insulted and offended that First Nations leadership was not invited to Premier Heather Stefanson’s swearing in ceremony.

Stefanson was sworn into office on Tuesday, becoming Manitoba’s first female premier.

In a statement issued, AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said the organization appreciates the invocation by Elder Billie Schibler and the important symbolism of the seven teachings provided.

However, Dumas said, the lack of First Nations leadership at the swearing in ceremony “was an affront to repairing the broken relationship and contradictory to the Premier’s stated priority for reconciliation with First Nations.”

Dumas added that Stefanson had the opportunity to start her time as premier on the right foot by inviting First Nations leaders to the ceremony, but the lack of calls, invitations and acknowledgments was another misstep in building a relationship between First Nations communities and the government.

Dumas noted that Stefanson said she wants to continue to maintain a positive relationship with Indigenous people, and listen to them on how the province can help them heal.

“In having to watch this ceremony and media availability through an online link, I couldn’t help but wonder: what positive relationship?” Dumas said in the statement.