Assembly of First Nations National Chief Urges Governments to Work with Manitoba First Nations to Address Flood Impacts

OTTAWA, August 14, 2015 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde stated today he stands in solidarity with Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and urges federal and provincial governments to work together with First Nations to address the devastating impacts of flooding.

"I fully support the position of First Nations in Manitoba as they assert their rights to be directly involved in designing and implementing a long-term solution to flooding in their region," said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. "First Nations families in Manitoba have been displaced for more than four years as a result of the 2011 flood evacuations. We need immediate action to help the evacuees and victims. It is unacceptable that agreements and plans are being made by governments without First Nations decision-making."

More than 2,000 people are reported to be displaced by the 2011 Spring flood in northern Manitoba. Community members and leaders gathered at the Manitoba Legislature yesterday voicing their opposition to a $495 million water diversion plan announced by the federal government days before the election was called.

"First Nations in Manitoba have been working to rebuild their communities and mitigate future flooding," said National Chief Bellegarde. "These efforts must be respected and supported and First Nations must be involved in any decisions that impact their families, homes and territories. It's not only the right thing to do, it's a Crown obligation."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Jenna Young Castro, AFN Communications Officer [phone] ext 401 or [phone] or [email protected]; Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director [phone] ext 200 or [phone] or [email protected]