A landmark event for the Gambler First Nation is allowing them to pay it forward.
The Gambler First Nation has recently voted in favor of an individual agreement on First Nations Land Claim Payout, yielding roughly 77 million dollars to its members.
Gambler's Chief David LeDoux is aiming to use one million dollars of that to fund the search for murdered and missing indigenous women.
The John James Tanner Legacy Foundation will be the name of Chief LeDoux's new project, and in a press release, he's proud to have lots of support in setting this up.
“This is an important new response to the growing need for assistance among the families affected by the disappearance or murder of our relatives across Canada,” stated Chief Ledoux. “I am pleased to be joined by Grand Chief Daniels, and other leaders, as we take the initiative in providing the necessary support, particularly for the children affected by the numerous tragedies involving our peoples.”
Grand Chief Daniels will serve as Treasurer for the new foundation. He will be joined by Grand Chief Cathy Merrick from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), Assembly of First Nations Manitoba Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse, Ray Anne Gray, and Kellie LeDoux. The newly assembled Board of Directors will oversee the foundation's establishment and operations.
Another donation will be made towards this project from a local potash mine PADCOM, which is a partner with Chief LeDoux, and the Gambler First Nation.
It will match the Chief's generous donation, making a total of 2 million dollars for the new Legacy Foundation.
The Land Claim Payments are being handed out today, and the announcement for the John James Tanner Legacy Foundation will happen between 3 and 5 pm today with Premier Wab Kinew in attendance.
