First Nations Economic Growth Requires Direct Federal Partnership

Press Release

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is calling on federal party leaders to engage directly with First Nations leadership following the release of new economic data from Statistics Canada.

The 2022 Indigenous Peoples Economic Account reports that Indigenous Gross Domestic Income (GDI) reached $60.2 billion-up 9.8% from 2021 and a 74.7% increase since 2012. Employment also grew by more than 67,000 jobs year over year, outpacing national trends.

While the report refers broadly to “Indigenous” peoples, the data does not distinguish First Nations-specific outcomes. The AMC continues to press Statistics Canada to recognize First Nations data sovereignty and accurately reflect First Nations-specific perspectives in its economic reporting.

“This kind of growth needs to be understood in context,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “First Nations are rebuilding our economies based on our inherent rights, jurisdiction and Nation-to-Nation responsibilities. We need accurate data that reflects our leadership, not generalizations.”

First Nations continue to lead in construction, energy, public administration and the arts. This growth is driven by First Nations jurisdiction and community decision-making, not federal programs or short-term funding.

“I see every day how First Nations are leading major projects and driving regional growth,” said Chief Cornell McLean of Lake Manitoba First Nation, member of the Executive Chiefs Committee, “We aren’t waiting to be included, we’re already building the future. The next federal government must reflect that in its economic policy.”

The AMC calls on all federal parties to commit to long-term partnerships that respect First Nations jurisdiction and economic leadership. This includes Nation-led trade and export development, access to capital, procurement reform, Indigenous loan guarantees and infrastructure investments that support revenue generation and economic sovereignty.

For more information, please contact:

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

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