MKO Applauds Pimicikamak Okimawin and Misipawistik Cree Nation Leadership in Landmark Child Welfare Lawsuit

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.(MKO) commends Pimicikamak Okimawin and Misipawistik CreeNation for the steadfast commitment to addressing decades of systemic injustices in Manitoba’s child welfare system. Alongside Black River First Nation and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the leaders have launched a pivotal $2.1-billion class-action lawsuit against the federal and provincial governments, seeking justice for the harm caused to First Nations children and families between 1992 to the present.

This lawsuit is a monumental step towards reconciliation and the restoration of traditional governance structures. It highlights the devastating impact of child apprehension practices, which led to cultural disconnection, language loss, and identity erosion among First Nations children. The claim also addresses the systemic racism and poverty-driven apprehensions that have historically marginalized First Nations communities. In a press conference today at the AMC offices…

Chief Heidi Cook of Misipawistik Cree Nation stated:

“We are united in this action, not just in court, but in our shared responsibility to protect and uplift our nations and our children. The harms caused by CFS are not new, they are well known. It’s a long standing well-documented truth the system has failed our children and harmed our nations in profound lasting ways.”

Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Okimawin declared:

“It takes a community to raise a child. That right and that privilege was taken away from us by Canada, from the province of Manitoba and from the courts. By doing that, they have affected the way we teach our children our ways of life, our language, our culture… We have taken Canada and Manitoba to court to hold them liable for the discrimination against our people, our children, our families and our communities.”

MKO stands in solidarity with Pimicikamak Okimawin and Misipawistik Cree Nation in their pursuit of justice and systemic change. The leadership inspires a path toward reconciliation, sovereignty, and cultural restoration for all First Nations in Manitoba.

-30-

For more information:

Jill Macyshon, Communications Officer

Email: Jill.Macyshon@mkonorth.com

MKOnation.com

NT4