Manitoba's newest Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations began his new appointment by defending residential schools and sharing a falsehood about its origins.

Dr. Alan Lagimodiere, a Métis MLA for Selkirk, is the new Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations.

During a media event, Lagimodiere commented that residential schools were designed to give Indigenous children the skills and abilities needed for society. Wab Kinew, Leader of the NDP and Honorary Truth and Reconciliation Commission witness called out the Minister's statement, saying he cannot accept him saying that.

"As an Honorary Witness of the TRC, I committed to Survivors to calling out denials of genocide when I hear them," Kinew tweets. Residential schools were designed to eliminate Indigenous cultural practices, structures, religion, racial identities, and more.

Kinew says they will give Lagimodiere a chance, but defending residential schools is wrong.

"As an Indigenous Manitoban, I sincerely believe that residential schools were tragic and were designed to assimilate Indigenous children and eradicate Indigenous culture. That was wrong then, and it is wrong now," Lagimodiere says in a statement. "I have been entrusted with the important responsibility of advocating reconciliation on behalf of all Manitobans, including addressing the tragic legacy of residential schools. That is a goal I have always been and remain deeply committed to."

Lagimodiere says he misspoke.

The Minister muted his tweet's replies.

 

Other Cabinet changes

Two other MLAs saw ministerial changes in a Cabinet change Thursday morning. Jon Reyes, MLA for Waverley is the new Minister of Economic Development and Jobs. Ralph Eichler, MLA for Lakeside, is moving to the position of Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development.

Pallister commented on the two Ministers' roles, but not Lagimodiere's. Instead, Pallister made another statement about economic development and reconciliation to wrap up the event.

"Each of you and your friends watching today are charged with significant portfolio responsibilities to create more jobs, too advance our economy, and solidify the services that so many Manitobans find essential in their lives. And to advance an agenda for reconciliation as the province that must lead the way in respect of those challenges," Pallister says.

Blaine Pederson, previous Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development, is stepping back from Cabinet. Pederson says this was a step he had been planning for, noting that he will be working on other projects and focussing on his Midlands constituency.

 

New Indigenous Relations Minister appointed in wake of stirring resignation

MLA Eilleen Clarke is sharing why she resigned from her ministerial post.

On Friday, the Agassiz MLA shared her resignation for the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations position with Premier Brian Pallister.

Declining to speak earlier out of respect for the  Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs election, she is now sharing more details on her resignation. In her first and only statement since this event, the MLA says she is confident she made the right choice.

"I have worked hard to do the best job possible for all. Serving Manitobans in this manner is a high honour and one I have never taken for granted," Clarke says.

In her five years as Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations, Clarke says she has learnt about Indigenous culture, ceremonies and teachings, thanking Elders and communities for welcoming her.

"I have learned a lot from you and I truly trust and respect you."

After Canada Day's statue overturning, Pallister condemned the actions, something Clarke disagrees with. Last week, the Premier made comments on reconciliation that drew the attention of critics after commenting that settlers came to build Canada, something he stands by. The MLA says her voice and others were not heard in Cabinet.

"Change is necessary; today I commit to doing what’s right for the people of Manitoba and myself. It is not my intent to divide or be disrespectful, but I do feel some transparency is required."

She will continue with the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba serving as her area's MLA.

"We all need to work together, listen to each other and work towards our common goal."

 

For Residential School Survivors in need of support, the Residential School crisis line is 1-866-925-4419.