Time to make some New Year’s Resolutions!
The start of a new year is a time for reflection on how we can all improve ourselves and be better throughout the new year. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is calling for the provincial and federal governments to do the same with our New Year’s Resolutions Campaign!
Below is a list of ten priority resolutions that we would like to see our Treaty partners implement in 2021. Both Manitoba and Canada claim that reconciliation is a priority for them. Now is the time to action those promises by fulfilling our Top Ten Resolutions list:
Engage in meaningful reconciliation with First Nation people by:
1. Ending systemic racism in Manitoba’s health care system, prioritizing all First Nation people for COVID-19 vaccination, and working with First Nations as an equal partner in health care delivery
Further information:
SCO Denounces Fearmongering Over Potential Vaccine Distribution – SCO Media Release
SCO Denouces Pallister’s Latest Attack on First Nations – SCO Media Release
First Nations must be a priority for COVID-19 Vaccine – SCO Media Release
Why the Moderna vaccine could be a game changer for remote communities – CBC News, The Current
Southern Chiefs’ Organization Health Transformation
SCO Condemns Racist and Abhorrent Behaviour Towards Joyce Echaquan – SCO Media Release
Resources: Disruption of All Forms of Racism – University of Manitoba
2. Respecting treaty rights and self-determination, including legal requirements for consultation with First Nations, including in the areas of harvesting and hunting, land, and gaming rights
Further information:
Hunting Rights:
Harvesting Rights Were Never Surrendered (SCO Op-ed)
SCO Responds to MB Government’s attempt to infringe on Section 35 Rights – SCO Media Release
Attack on harvesting rights taking place across the country InFocus hears – APTN
Controversy over new hunting laws – VIDEO – CityNews
Land Rights:
SCO Responds to Province of MB 2020 Speech from the Throne – SCO Media Release
Court Issues Injunction Against Manitoba Government – IRTC
First Nations Push for Meeting with MB Government on Flood Protection Project – APTN News
Gaming Rights:
Standing Firm on Gaming Centres, Tobacco Rebate – Brandon Sun
First Nation Chiefs Upset Over Manitoba Premier’s Plan to Ban Smoking in Gaming Centres – CTV News
Manitoba again Fails to Recognize First Nation Rights – SCO Media Release
3. Ending the claw back of Children’s Special Allowance payments coming from the federal government for children in care
4. Committing to stop undermining First Nations’ fundamental rights, including the right to peacefully protest in order to protect our lands, our water, and our people
5. Investing in First Nation people and businesses, helping to end centuries of economic apartheid while contributing to economic growth among the youngest growing demographic in the province
Engage in meaningful reconciliation with First Nation people by:
1. Ending the severe infrastructure deficit for First Nations, especially access to clean water and adequate housing
Further information:
First Nations worry clean-water promise won’t be met – Winnipeg Free Press
Potential Delay in Ending Long-term Boil Water Advisories Unacceptable – SCO Media Release
Ending long-term drinking water advisories – Indigenous Services Canada
‘Beggars in our own land’: Canada’s First Nation housing crisis – The Guardian