AMC Responds to Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth Report on Youth Addictions

November 28, 2024

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges the release of the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth’s report, Innagakeyaa Bimadizewin: Towards the Good Life, and calls for urgent action to address the systemic barriers and inequities outlined in its findings.

This report, which amplifies the voices of youth and service providers, highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate, community-driven support for First Nations youth struggling with substance use.

“This report makes it clear: the colonial system continues to fail First Nations youth,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy, “When young people have to enter the justice system before they even hear about addiction supports, when they are forced to leave their First Nations for services that should be available at home, and when trusted relationships with service providers are abruptly severed, it denies them of their rights and their humanity. These failures cannot continue.”

The report amplifies the voices of youth who shared their struggles in accessing addiction support. Many cited long waitlists, stigma, and inflexible policies as significant barriers. Geographic isolation and the lack of culturally appropriate services in northern and remote First Nations force youth to leave their homes, severing vital connections to family and culture.

The report sheds light on the voices of youth who described significant challenges in accessing addiction support. Many cited long waitlists, stigma, and inflexible policies as major barriers. Geographic isolation and the lack of culturally appropriate services in northern and remote First Nations often force youth to leave their homes, severing vital connections to family and culture.

The consequences of high staff turnover in youth-serving systems are particularly devastating, as youth lose trusted service providers who have become central figures in their lives. One youth described the abrupt loss of a therapist they had come to see as family, leaving them feeling abandoned and betrayed.

“These stories highlight the importance of relationships in supporting our youth,” said Kennedy. “We cannot build systems of care without acknowledging the need for trust and relationality.”

The AMC is also deeply concerned about the systemic disorganization and lack of coordination highlighted in the report. Many youth and families face significant difficulties navigating overlapping agencies and unclear referral processes, with no centralized system to guide them.

“Our youth have been clear about what they need,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy, “It’s time for governments to listen, act, and honour their commitment to protecting the lives and futures of our children.”

Addressing these systemic inequities requires urgent and decisive action from all levels of government, informed by input from First Nations and service providers. This includes increased funding for community-led support programs, sustainable staffing to maintain continuity of care, and creating an accessible, cohesive system to connect First Nations youth and families with services.

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For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

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