AMC Supports Walk for Fentanyl Awareness and Calls for Urgent Action to Address Manitoba’s Opioid Crisis

Press Release

September 12, 2025

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Grand Chief Kyra Wilson stand in solidarity with the Singing Red Bear Foundation and families across Manitoba for the Fentanyl Awareness Day Walk on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The walk begins at Oodena Circle at The Forks and concludes at the Manitoba Legislative Building, where Grand Chief Wilson will offer remarks alongside families and frontline workers.

The walk honours the life of Harlan Fourre, whose tragic passing from fentanyl poisoning inspired the creation of the Fentanyl Awareness Walk. It is an annual event that raises awareness of the toxic drug crisis and provides a space to remember loved ones lost to fentanyl and other substances.

Manitoba continues to experience one of the highest per-capita opioid fatality rates in Canada. In January 2025 alone, the province recorded 51 suspected substance-related deaths. First Nations people in Manitoba are seven times more likely to die from opioid poisoning compared to non-Indigenous residents.

“Every life lost to fentanyl is a loved one – a child, a parent, a friend,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Our Nations are grieving, and we call on all levels of government to act now. This crisis demands sustained resources, culturally grounded healing programs, and full recognition of First Nations jurisdiction in creating solutions.”

Grand Chief Wilson stressed that the path forward must be led by First Nations and supported with real resources: “The loss is profound, but we are not powerless. We walk to honour those we have lost and to demand action so that no more families suffer. Solutions must be built with us, not for us.”

The AMC urges all community members, allies, and leaders to attend and walk in solidarity, helping to raise awareness and advocate for urgent, culturally appropriate responses to the fentanyl crisis.

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

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