Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.

09/07/2026

Treaty 5 Summit Grand Entry

09/05/2026

Congratulations to Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot on your acclamation as Grand Chief of the Sky Nations Grand Council.

On behalf of MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee and the 26 First Nations represented by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), we extend our sincere congratulations on your acclamation.

We recognize your commitment to serving your Nations and wish you every success as you continue in this important leadership role. We look forward to working together and strengthening our relationship in the years ahead.

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

Office Closure Notice

Please note that MKO offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labour Day.

Essential services, including the Wellbriety Centre and Medical Transportation, will remain available during this time.

Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 8:30 AM.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend.

09/01/2026

A Historic Day at the Port of Churchill

Yesterday marked a major milestone as the first grain vessel in more than six years arrived at the Port of Churchill.

Carrying approximately 30,000 tonnes of durum wheat, the vessel will begin an 18-day journey to Greece before continuing on to Italy, highlighting Churchill's important role in connecting Northern Manitoba to international markets.

Chief Morris Beardy of Fox Lake Cree Nation spoke on behalf of MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee, congratulating the Arctic Gateway Group, its partners, and everyone whose hard work helped make this day possible.

"On behalf of MKO, I congratulate the Arctic Gateway Group, its partners, and everyone who played a role in making this day possible. We look forward to continuing to work together to support a strong and prosperous future for Churchill and Northern Manitoba."

Chief Beardy also emphasized that the Port of Churchill and the rail line that serves it remain critical to Northern Manitoba, creating jobs, driving economic development, and connecting Canada to national and international markets. He noted that this achievement demonstrates what is possible when investments are made in the North and when northern voices are part of the conversation.

Chief Betsy Kennedy of War Lake First Nation, speaking on behalf of the Arctic Gateway Group Board, reflected on her family's deep connection to the port. With her grandfather having worked there, seeing the ship at the port and the many rail cars that brought grain north was a deeply personal moment.

More grain ships are expected to move through the Port of Churchill this season, creating new opportunities for northern communities. Northern First Nations have the people, knowledge, and expertise to help transform the port and railway into the nation-building trade corridor it has the potential to become.

Also pictured is a shipment of zinc concentrate from Snow Lake ready to be loaded in a vessel anchored in the bay ready to sail to Europe.

We also acknowledge the many people, organizations, and communities whose commitment and persistence have helped strengthen the port and northern transportation corridor, creating new opportunities for the North.

🚢🌾

09/01/2026

Thank You, Walmart Thompson!

MKO is grateful to Walmart Thompson for their generous August donation of approximately 1,020 lbs of fresh produce and 410 lbs of meat to the MKO Food Bank.

A special thank you to Vishal and the Walmart Thompson team for your continued support, kindness, and commitment to helping northern families. Your generosity is making a real difference in our communities.

🎉 Shout Out to Walmart Thompson! 🎉

Through our continued partnership with Second Harvest and Food Banks Canada, we have been fortunate to receive incredibly generous donations from Walmart Thompson.

During the month of August 2026, Walmart Thompson donated approximately 1,020 lbs of fresh produce and 410 lbs of meat to the MKO Food Bank. These donations help provide healthier food options for the families we serve and make a meaningful difference in our community.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Vishal and the entire Walmart Thompson team for their outstanding generosity, kindness, and ongoing support. Your commitment to helping others has a positive impact on many beautiful northern families.

Thank you for your continued partnership, compassion, and dedication to our community. We are truly grateful for your support! ❤️

09/01/2026

Office Closure Notice

Please be advised that the Status Card Program in the Thompson Office will be closed September 2-4, 2026, due to community engagement activities.

Regular services will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding.

Thank you!

08/31/2026

‼️Reminder: E-Petition #7410 – Indian Residential School Missing Children Community Support Funding‼️

There is still time to add your name in support of E-Petition #7410, which calls on the Federal Government to provide long-term, stable funding for the search for missing children and unmarked graves connected to Indian Residential Schools.

The petition also calls for continued funding for Survivor healing initiatives and community wellness supports, and urges the Government of Canada to fully implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

We must continue to stand with Survivors, families, and communities, while honouring the children who never returned home.

Open for online signatures until 12:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Sign the petition here: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7410

Please share widely and encourage others to add their voices in support of truth, justice, and healing.

08/31/2026

The MKO Path Forward Project was honoured to attend the 4th Annual Sturgeon Landing Truth and Reconciliation Gathering on August 26 and 27.

Over two days, Survivors, families, community members, and supporters came together to remember those impacted by residential schools and to create space for healing, reflection, and connection. The gathering featured photos and collected artifacts from the former residential school site, while offering opportunities for Survivors to share their experiences and reconnect with fellow former students and their families.

The welcoming outdoor setting provided a variety of healing activities and fostered meaningful conversations among attendees from many different Nations. We were especially honoured to meet Māori relatives from Aotearoa (New Zealand), who travelled to attend after reading The Education of Augie Merasty.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Group of Companies for hosting such a powerful gathering and for providing an opportunity for the Path Forward Project to share information about the ongoing work to locate and identify children who never returned home from residential schools.

08/31/2026

International Overdose Awareness Day | August 31, 2026

Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember those lost to overdose, support individuals and families affected by substance use, and stand together to reduce stigma.

Every life matters. Through compassion, understanding, harm reduction, and access to culturally safe supports, we can help save lives and strengthen our communities.

MKO honours the strength and resilience of First Nations individuals, families, and communities and remains committed to supporting wellness, healing, and hope.

💜 If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out.
988 Su***de Crisis Helpline (Call or Text): 988
Manitoba Addictions Helpline: 1-855-662-6605
Klinic Crisis Line (24/7): 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
In an emergency, call 911