PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Premier Wab Kinew Attends the National Association of Friendship Centre’s 2023 Presidents and Executive Directors Forum
[Winnipeg, November 3rd, 2023] – The Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres (MAFC) was honoured to have Premier Wab Kinew attend the National Association of Friendship Centre’s (NAFC) Presidents and Executive Director’s Forum dinner to extend greeting from Manitoba to our guests and discuss Urban Indigenous issues.
Premier Wab Kinew’s attendance at the Forum highlighted his commitment to fostering positive relationships with urban Indigenous communities. His presence was warmly received by attendees representing the NAFC’s network of over 100 Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations.
At the dinner, Premier Kinew engaged in productive discussions with all attendees, including MAFC President David Gray and NAFC CEO Jocelyn Formsma, sharing insights and perspectives on key issues affecting urban Indigenous peoples in Manitoba and nationally.
Pictured: MAFC President David Gray (left), Premier Wab Kinew (middle), NAFC CEO Jocelyn Formsma (right), at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
David Gray, commenting later said, “We were excited when NAFC agreed to host this significant annual event in Winnipeg. When Wab Kinew won the election that made him Premier, on a platform of hope and reconciliation, we knew delegates would be excited to meet him and would be interested in their views. As always he didn’t disappoint. He was thoughtful and articulate and, as one would expect from the first First Nation premier of a Province, he understood the issues intimately. His leadership augers well for Manitoba.”
MAFC remains dedicated to its mission of supporting the social, economic, and cultural well-being of urban Indigenous communities, families, and individuals across Manitoba. The NAFC’s Presidents and Executive Director’s Forum creates essential dialogue in building relationships and strengthening partnerships. Friendship Centre Leaders, advocates, and directors from coast to coast join annually to collaborate, commit, and share crucial knowledge for the betterment of urban Indigenous peoples.
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For more information, contact:
David Gray, President of MAFC
Email: DGray@davidgraylaw.ca
Phone: (204) 281-7257
Kristina Colmer, Policy Analyst and Researcher of MAFC
Email: Kristina.colmer@friendshipcentres.ca
Phone: (204) 430-4293