June 10, 2022
Manitoba Government Supports Indigenous and Northern Organizations to Deliver Key Services
The Manitoba government is providing more than $3 million toward 12 Indigenous and Northern organizations in Manitoba to support the key services they provide for Indigenous and northern people in Manitoba, Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere announced today.
“The programs being delivered foster positive and respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples and northern communities,” said Lagimodiere. “I extend my appreciation to them for the work they do. Their hard work, day in and day out, works to improve social and economic outcomes for Indigenous and northern peoples where they are needed most.”
Funded organizations include Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Southern Chiefs’ Organization, Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA), Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Manitoba Métis Federation, Northern Association of Community Councils, Eagle Urban Transition Centre, Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg, Manitoba Moon Voices (MMVI), Indigenous Languages of Manitoba and Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape.
The Manitoba Inuit Association received $50,000 for the first time in recognition of its expanding role in the province. MIA opened its doors in 2012 and continues to strengthen Inuit language and culture and provide Inuit-led distinctions based programs and services to Inuit in Manitoba. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MIA assisted in the province’s COVID-19 response by planning and implementing four Inuit pop-up vaccine clinics as part of the province’s support of Manitoba’s Urban Indigenous Vaccine Clinics. MIA also sits on the First Nations, Inuit and Red River Métis Council on residential schools. To learn more about MIA, visit https://manitobainuit.ca/.
“Manitoba Inuit Association is pleased to have a renewed and engaged relationship with the province of Manitoba and we thank the honorable Minister Lagimodiere for his leadership in this regard,” said Marti Ford, president, Manitoba Inuit Association. “We have grown exponentially since 2012, when we first operationalized our organization, and we have done some exceptional Inuit-led work in our community during the pandemic. An increase to our provincial core funding from Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations is welcomed and needed. Our growing mandate and requirement of increased capacity to meet so many unmet needs of Inuit living in Manitoba and those who come down on medical travel continues to grow with our services.”
Manitoba Moon Voices is a non-profit organization that supports the development of leadership and advancement of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people in Manitoba. It delivers the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program that helps individuals fully participate in economic opportunities by supporting education and skills training that can help them achieve economic independence. To learn more, visit https://manitobamoonvoices.com/.
“The continued funding and support provided by Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations has been essential to MMVI being active with our membership in the area of advocacy, outreach and building capacity within our organization,” said Denise Cook, co-chair of MMVI’s board of directors. “Sadly, our work must continue as we support and advocate for Indigenous women and gender-diverse people who continue to experience gender-based violence.”
Lagimodiere noted core funding assists organizations in carrying out their important work, which helps build stronger relationships and respectful partnerships that benefit all Manitobans.
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