Wilson — who is the former chief of the Long Plain First Nation — was elected on Wednesday to lead the AMC. The organization advocates in Winnipeg for issues pertinent to First Nations across Manitoba. First Nations leaders in the Westman region described Wilson as a strong candidate who would help advance relevant goals and solutions for First Nations in the region.
Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Chief Vince Tacan told the Sun he met with all candidates before the election, and Wilson was the only one who he thought would be able to continue advocating strongly for Indigenous women and children. Tacan said Indigenous women and children are encountering various challenges right now and it is important for the new chief to advocate for them.
When asked about ongoing issues, Tacan said he hopes the new chief will impart extra emphasis to drugs and housing as two major issues.
“We’re going to have to push for stronger, better … appropriate sentences for people who are committing crimes in our communities,” stated Tacan. “The system is too lenient. There is no fear of the current system the way it operates now, so we need to campaign for harsher sentences for those folks. Catch and release is not working in Manitoba.”
Tacan further pointed out that problems around drug use and addictions also worsen housing challenges. He cited the example of Sioux Valley, where four or five houses have been condemned in the community that could have otherwise been occupied by families.
Also top of mind for Tacan at the moment are economic issues. He said there is a noticeable lack of opportunities for First Nations. Advocacy is needed around development, such as establishing a healing centre in his community that would counsel people, employ staff and offer varied employment pathways, Tacan said.
Advocacy at the higher levels by the new grand chief would mean helping individual First Nations get the opportunity to meet with the province, he said.
Speaking with the Sun, Waywayseecappo First Nation Chief Murray Clearsky said he hopes Wilson will advocate on behalf of natural resource-rich First Nation communities, as well as programs such as Jordan’s Principle.
Clearsky said funding has shrunk for the program, which financially supports an equitable access to various services for First Nations children across the province. Clearsky added he hopes Wilson will step up advocacy at the higher levels through her position as grand chief.
“I’d like to see her get more vocal,” said Clearsky. “Go back to the old style and start protesting.”
Clearsky added he would also like to see more advocacy around natural resource extraction. He said First Nations have been ignored too much when it comes to being consulted about natural resource extraction, and that Wilson should push the Canadian government to work with First Nations on this count more often.
Lola Thunderchild, former chief of the Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, told the Sun the new grand chief is suited to push for such changes. Thunderchild said Wilson’s relationships with many chiefs will promote unity within the AMC, which is exactly what the communities need in order to be heard.
“She’s very good at advocating, and she’s got (a) good rapport with the other chiefs as well,” said Thunderchild. “She’ll be a great benefit for those communities who need that extra support, in finding a voice.”
Thunderchild worked with Wilson on the women’s advisory council at the AMC. She said Wilson would step into the shoes of former grand chief Cathy Merrick. As a former mentee of Merrick, Wilson was aligned with many of the same priorities.
Merrick was popular as the grand chief, and Wilson has communicated her intent to follow in those footsteps.
“We just talked before the election, and she said Cathy was one of her greatest mentors,” said Thunderchild. “(Cathy) always called us her little sisters. We shared some tears (over that).”
Wilson’s election as grand chief comes in the wake of Merrick’s sudden death of last year. When Merrick died, many chiefs told the Sun it was a great loss, and her shoes would be hard to fill.
When asked about her future, Tacan and Thunderchild said they believe Wilson has good relationships and will serve well to unite First Nations across Manitoba, just as Merrick did. They hope strong relationships will continue between First Nation communities and that Wilson will work hard to do so.
On the ballot for the election on Wednesday were four candidates. Wilson received 37 of 61 votes, with the remaining vote share spread across Leroy Constant (10 votes), Bava Dhillon (10 votes), and Glenn Hudson (four votes.)
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