New AMC grand chief to focus on accessibility, clean drinking water

Kyra Wilson, then-Chief of Long Plain First Nation, speaks during the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

The new grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) said she’s going to take on accessibility, safety and access to clean drinking as some of her top priorities in the role.

Kyra Wilson, who is the former chief of Long Plain First Nation, was elected in the first round of Wednesday’s byelection with 37 votes. She takes over the role after former Grand Chief Cathy Merrick died in September.

“I’m just so grateful that everyone has that confidence in me and my ability to be grand chief,” she said in an interview with CTV Morning Live on Thursday.

“So I just wanted to say miigwetch and thank you for that.”

Wilson said she’s worked with two former AMC grand chiefs, including Merrick, who inspired her to take on the position.

She recognizes the work that Merrick did during her time as grand chief and hopes to honour that.

“I just appreciate all of the work from our past leadership, I look forward to being able to also do this work as grand chief,” she said.

As grand chief of the AMC, which represents 63 First Nations, Wilson said she wants to bring the leadership together to discuss the next steps.

Her priorities include accessibility to northern communities and ensuring communities have clean drinking water.

“Those are some of the things that we’ve been discussing at the table in terms of leadership,” she said.

“There’s so many issues. Obviously, justice and policing are key priorities. I do believe community safety is first and foremost, as well as addictions [and] mental health.”

Wilson, who is a social worker by trade, said she’s always been guided by the belief that all children and First Nations communities deserve equal opportunities.

“No matter where you live, I’m always going to advocate for children, for families, for communities, and that’s really how I see it.”

• With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé, Katherine Dow and Danton Unger.