AMC Welcomes Historic Apology from Canada to Dakota and Lakota Nations

July 15, 2024

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) welcomes the historic and long-overdue apology from the Government of Canada to the Dakota and Lakota Nations. Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree delivered the official apology, acknowledging the historical wrongs committed against the Dakota and Lakota people.

This apology addresses the wrongful designation of the Dakota and Lakota as “refugees,” which has hindered their access to services and benefits available to other First Nations due to their exclusion from being treaty partners with Canada.

Deputy Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy emphasized the significance of this occasion, “This apology requires more than words – it must mark the start of a new relationship between Canada and the Dakota and Lakota People,” she said. “The Dakota and Lakota Nations have been allies and integral to the history of this land, before and since colonization. Canada must honour their sovereignty and work collaboratively to ensure their rights and identities are fully respected and upheld.”

The ceremony, held in Wapaha Ska Dakota Nation, was attended by many dignitaries and leaders, including representatives from nine Dakota and Lakota First Nations: Birdtail Sioux Dakota, Canupawakpa Dakota, Dakota Plains Wahpeton, Dakota Tipi, Sioux Valley Dakota, Standing Buffalo Dakota, Wahpeton Dakota, Whitecap Dakota, and Wood Mountain Lakota.

The apology is a critical step toward economic reconciliation, focusing on generating own-source revenues to enhance community services. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs stands in solidarity with the Dakota and Lakota Nations in their journey toward recognition, justice, and economic self-sufficiency. We urge the federal government to engage with each Dakota Nation individually, respecting their unique experiences and needs.

For more information, please contact:

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

About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anisininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.

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