MKO Grand Chief Response to Federal Announcement of $196B Provincial Funding Deal

Press Release

February 9, 2023

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is issuing a statement regarding the federal government pledge of $196B and $2 Billion for Indigenous health priorities.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee states:

“On February 7th, the federal government met with Provincial and Territory leaders to announce a plan that would flow $196 billion over the next 10 years to provinces through the Canada Health Transfer. MKO, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Manitoba Region and Anishininiew Okimawin Grand Council (AO-GC) jointly requesting representation at this meeting. Although a seat was not allocated, this announcement should not derogate the Nation-to-Nation relationship. Moving forward the partnership between First Nations and governments must acknowledge First Nation sovereignty and recognition as rights-holders within Canada.

MKO is concerned with the funding being transferred to the Manitoba government through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT). The CHT is a paternalistic and colonial model where First Nations rights-holders are excluded from any negotiations or decision-making processes. First Nation citizens continue to experience oppression, racism and poor health outcomes resulting from the exclusion from being able to negotiate at the decision-making tables. The Manitoba government has yet to demonstrate robust and meaningful engagement on health innovation and partnership. MKO remains committed to working with the Manitoba government to change this narrative and work towards a healthcare system that is sustainable, efficient, effective, and safe for all First Nation citizens.

We must change how we think about healthcare and move beyond rhetoric and create an inclusive process that supports principles of reconciliation.”

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For more information:
Philip Paul Martin, MKO Communications Officer
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]

IHT5