RUSSELL — Gambler First Nation, through the Potash and Agri Development Corporation of Manitoba, pledged $1 million to its newly inaugurated John James Tanner Legacy Foundation at the Smellie Block, Russell on Friday, aiming to provide crucial support to families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Boys during times of crisis.
Dignitaries present at the event included: Premier Wab Kinew; Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, and Grand Chief Jerry Daniels; PADCOM president Daymon Guillas; foundation board members Rheanne Gray and Kellie LeDoux, among others.
“The foundation is our response to the growing need for assistance among the families affected by the disappearance or murder of numerous Indigenous women and girls across Canada,” Gambler First Nation Chief David LeDoux told the Sun. “The foundation was set up to provide educational, financial, social, and psychological assistance to children and families impacted by the disappearance or loss of a family member.”
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew visits Gambler First Nation near Russell on Friday. Kinew was on hand as Gambler First Nation announced a $1 million donation to the John James Tanner Legacy Foundation, which aims to offer a variety of supports to children and families affected by the loss of a family member in relation to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Men, Boys, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ cases. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)
He shared insights into the foundation’s plans, indicating that they were still working on the assessment process, and he mentioned that within the next six months, everything should be in place, adding that they were developing their approach and working closely with the board.
“Our main goal is for the children, but the adults benefit as well. Negative reviews can be damaging to our children, and we need to change the image of murdered and missing Indigenous women as mere victims,” the Chief told the Sun. “It’s a challenging road, but we hope other First Nations across Canada will join us in this crucial endeavour.”
Regarding the foundation members, Chief LeDoux emphasized their passion for their people, extending beyond their community to any missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, boys, etc.
He emphasized the foundation’s broader vision, asserting that they needed to teach people how to live safely, think safely, be safe, and become part of the solution. He underscored that as they became less vulnerable, it will benefit everyone.
On the construction underway at the Gambler First Nation reserve, Chief LeDoux told the Sun that a new cultural centre is under development, intended to be a meeting place and as a venue to host various programs.
Premier Kinew commended the individuals set to serve on the foundation’s board, emphasizing the crucial nature of their work and underscoring the alignment of the initiative with the government’s priorities, specifically referencing the establishment of a cabinet committee in response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
“Gambler’s announcement is a very good sign of the entrepreneurial spirit that we see in many Western First Nations,” Kinew told the Sun. “We’re celebrating Gambler, but we know there are many other communities that have taken a lot of initiative when it comes to job creation. And of course, the Manitoba Metis Federation as well.”
Kinew expressed a desire to collaborate with the leaders of these governments to create more opportunities for everybody.
He emphasized the interconnected success of First Nations and Metis people in the West, stating, “I think we all know that when First Nations people in the Westman succeed, and Metis people in Westman succeed, and that’s better for everyone in the Westman region, it means more jobs, more economic opportunity, and more growth for everybody to enjoy.”
Southern Chiefs Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels commended the stable leadership in Gambler First Nation. He said, “They’re going to be an example of what stable leadership, combined with the support of business and corporate leaders, can achieve.”
He expressed optimism about the leadership in Manitoba and the need for collective efforts to bring about positive change and emphasized the importance of supporting the community and finding new ways to address challenges, including issues related to addiction and the well-being of women.
Foundation board member Rheanne Gray emphasized the foundation’s commitment to community building and highlighted the importance of reaching beyond immediate circles to achieve a better way of life for everyone.
“We will organize fundraisers to generously enhance the resources in this foundation, and we have clear objectives,” she said. “All too often, when confronted with significant challenges in our regions, we tend to shift the burden of responsibility onto others, becoming engrossed in our survival and forgetting that we live in a community.”
Gray said the new premier has conveyed a vision of community that emphasizes leaving the province in a manner that cares for all Manitobans, adding that the foundation is in line with that vision.
“To Manitoba and Canadian companies and funders, be prepared because the John James Turner Legacy Foundation is coming for a visit, and we are confident you will respond with your support,” she said. “I genuinely believe in the expressed values of those who claim these values as part of our identity, and I am confident that you will join us in this vision of community.”
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