July 9, 2021
Manitoba Government Invests $3 Million in Operating Grants for Indigenous and Northern Organizations
– – –Funding to Help Support Key Services Provided by 11 Organizations Across Manitoba: Clarke
The Manitoba government is investing approximately $3 million toward 11 Indigenous and northern organizations in Manitoba to support key services provided for Indigenous and northern people in Manitoba, Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced today.
Funded organizations include Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, the Southern Chiefs Organization, the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Manitoba Metis Federation, the Northern Association of Community Councils, the Eagle Urban Transition Centre, the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg, Manitoba Moon Voices, Indigenous Languages of Manitoba, and Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape.
“I want to extend my appreciation to these organizations for the work they are doing to connect with Indigenous and northern people in Manitoba during this pandemic,” said Clarke. “Providing this support means programs and services that improve social and economic outcomes for Indigenous and northern peoples are able to continue.”
The Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres provides a wide range of unique programs and services to their communities through a network of friendship centres across the province.
“Most of the friendship centres have been in their respective communities for more than 50 years and have received consistent funding from the province that supports and provides programming for Indigenous peoples in urban centres,” said David Grey, chairperson of the Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres. “Centres have used that funding to leverage additional monies, usually about $7 for every dollar received. The Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres has appreciated this support through this ongoing partnership.”
The minister noted the activities of the organizations foster positive and respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples and northern communities.
Some organizations serve as community-based providers of government programs and services while others serve as critical consultative and supportive entities with respect to provincial programs and policy development.
“The Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg uses its funding to advocate for the interests of the urban Indigenous community,” said Damon Johnson, president, Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. “One recent involvement is the current Manitoba Indigenous COVID-19 Vaccination Committee where we advised health officials on actions that would ensure all First Nations, Inuit and Métis citizens would get vaccinated. We are seeing the results of these efforts as Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are lining up to get vaccinated. This is a practical involvement and evidence of how our government includes Indigenous leaders and organizations in important initiatives of benefit to all citizens of our province.”
Clarke noted that Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Relations looks forward to continued and active involvement in working together with all Indigenous and northern organizations to build stronger relationships and respectful partnerships that benefit all Manitobans.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Baclgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2021/07/BG-Core_Grants-INR.pdf