UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE August 9, 2013 - Winnipeg, MB The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

(AMC) wishes to acknowledge

'Indigenous peoples building alliances: Honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.

the theme of this years United Nations International Day of the World's Indigenous People:

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Acting Grand Chief Clarence Easter stated This years theme is

very important as the Manitoba Chiefs have maintained the position over the last several decades that in order to reset the relationship, the Government of Canada must abandon its policy management approach in favour of the nation-nation relationship approach envisioned by our ancestors. First Nations leadership of Manitoba recognizes that the (Renewed) Treaty England and Canada.

Relationship and Covenants are between the Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the Queen of

According to the UN website:

[T]he theme aims to highlight the importance of honouring arrangements between States, their citizens and indigenous peoples that were designed to recognize indigenous peoples' rights to their lands and establish a framework for living in proximity and entering into economic relationships. Agreements also outline a political vision of diferent sovereign peoples living together on the same land, according to the principles of friendship, cooperation and peace.

The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) has committed to a Treaty Relationship process twice and, basis on Treaty-based issues. Manitoba First Nations leadership is adamant that with respect

more recently on January 11, 2013 whereby he committed to PMO oversight on a priority to the Oversight body of the Treaty Relationship process, direct involvement of successor

Chiefs of Treaties is critical. implementation.

Only the Chiefs of these Treaties can speak to its

The AMC recognizes that there is a need to establish a foundation for the exercise of Indigenous Nation sovereignty without regard to existing or future political boundaries of non-Indigenous nations. As Indigenous communities we have internationally recognized rights to form our own government or political representations. We are not bound by existing political structures, but rather can shift and shape according to the needs and desires of our people. Those discussions took place at the National Treaty Gathering in the Onion Lake Cree nations as our future depends on unity. said Acting Grand Chief Easter. Nation in July 2013 and work is underway to establish an alliance amongst our indigenous

For more information on the International Day: http://www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday/ -30-

For more information please contact: Sheila North Wilson 204-957-8450 (office)

snorthwilson@manitobachiefs.com