AMC Staff
Sandra Ducharme, Administrative Assistant
INTRODUCTION
The AMC Communications Department continues to raise the profile of the Assembly of Manitoba
Chiefs and has created new ways to disseminate pertinent information to First Nation leadership, communities
and the general public on the history, issues and challenges that face First Nations in Manitoba.
KEY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
Choosing the proper venues for the AMC’s advertising, message and presence is an important part of
the communications department. It is important to not only raise the profile of the AMC, but to maintain
the level of professionalism, integrity and honour as to which the Assembly represents. The communications
department is increasing its distribution range and accessing new venues (print, radio, television,
conference information booths) to maximize our exposure.
The weekly radio show, A Vision for All is always looking for guests. We encourage the Chiefs to use
this as a venue for highlighting their communities concerns and to showcase their community’s accomplishments.
Challenges arise when trying to coordinate schedules to accommodate the demanding
schedules of the Chiefs and other distinguished guests.
LINKAGES TO FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES
• AMC Update newsletter is to inform readers of First Nation activities and developments in
Manitoba. These articles and other Manitoba First Nation information and issues can be found
on our website: www.manitobachiefs.com
• AMC Assembly Summary and Community Thank you is a newsletter style publication that
provides a summary of information discussed at the Special Chiefs Assemblies as well as a
brief summation of the resolutions that were passed.
• Ogimaakaan Magazine – The Ogimaakaan is in the 9th year of publication. AMC Communications
co-ordinates, writes, edits and distributes the Ogimaakaan magazine to our target audience
including the general public.
• Grassroots News – Starting in July of 2005 there will be a monthly, one-page advertisement
highlighting AMC events, initiatives, issues and activities.
• A Vision for All is the 30 minute radio broadcast aired on Thursday evenings from 6 to 6:30pm
on 105.5 NCI FM that is utilized mainly by the Chiefs as a key tool to help inform about current
issues and accomplishments that are relevant to their communities. A Vision for All, is available
online for community radio stations to download and broadcast in their communities.
• Television Commercial Advertising - Two television commercial ads are currently being produced.
The first commercial is meant to raise the profile of the AMC. The second commercial
will honour our First Nation Veterans.
• AMC First Nation Leadership Poster - features pictures of the most current Manitoba First Nation
Chiefs set around a Manitoba Provincial map. The 2004 First Nation Leadership poster
highlighted the distinct treaty areas of Manitoba this will be continued onto the 2005 Leadership
poster, however, the 2005 First Nation Leadership Poster will also distinguish the unique
traditional languages spoken in the First Nation communities of Manitoba
• “New Chiefs” Information Directory- this directory contains contact information for; Assembly
of Manitoba Chiefs, Manitoba Tribal Councils and other political organizations, SCO and
MKIO, Manitoba First Nation Education Resource Centre, Assembly of First Nations, First Nation
Health, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and all levels of Government, Municipal, Provincial
and Federal.
• Developed and increased distribution lists - publications distribution helps target specific audiences
including schools, the general public, Aboriginal organizations as well as libraries.
• Educating through press conferences, press releases, media advisories and signing ceremonies
• Increased AMC profile by using the AMC information booth at conferences, events and forums,
including distribution of AMC promotional materials, pens, pamphlets, pins.
• Editorials and Letters - Production of Editorials and Letters of response to the various Editors
on matters relevant to individual First Nations political position
• Assistance to individual First Nations - in coordinating news conferences and press releases.
STATUS OF ACTIVITIES
During the 2004-2005 fiscal year the communications department started a number of new projects to
fulfill its’ mandate. The first edition of AMC Update, was published in August 2004 and is published
quarterly, the Ogimaakaan magazine is published in place of the Spring edition of the AMC Update.
These publications feature some of the AMC’s goals and initiatives currently in process as well as
highlighting the accomplishments of First Nation leadership, individuals and communities. To reach
First Nation and Canadian people, the publications are sent to First Nation leadership and band offices,
First Nation conferences, Canadian government officials, and a number of First Nation organizations
within Winnipeg. We also provide direct mail out to any in office request received.
In March 2005, the communications department contracted APTN to create two television commercials
that highlight the goals, issues, and opinions of Manitoba First Nations. One of the commercials is
devoted to honouring First Nation veterans and the other is meant to raise the profile of First Nation
Professionals. The commercials will be ready for broadcast by the end of the summer.
These new projects compliment the work the department has always done such as: preparing articles
for local Aboriginal media, writing editorial responses, writing press releases, hosting press conferences,
and dealing with the reporters and interview requests.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Creation and distribution of the “AMC Update” newsletter
• Creation and distribution of the “AMC Assembly Summary , Community Thank You and
Resolutions passed Summary”.
• Creation of “New Chiefs” Directory, new information packages sent to newly elected First
Nation Leaders
• Increase in information distribution to Manitoba First Nation Chiefs, through mail out after
Assemblies.
• Coordination of two television commercials utilizing First Nation professional people to
assist in promoting First Nation professionals and including acknowledgment of our First
Nation Veterans.
• A Vision for All now available on-line.
• Improved distribution (mail out, drop off, e-mail and faxing) lists to target specific audiences.
• Increase in public visibility, attendance at more conferences, workshops and assemblies.
|