News Release

Office of the Grand Chief
DR. SYDNEY GARRIOCH

For Immediate Release

MKO Grand Chief Saddened at the Sudden Death of Former Wuskwi Sipihk Chief Brian Brass

(January 15, 2007 – Thompson, MB) - Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Dr. Sydney Garrioch was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of former Wuskwi Sipihk Cree Nation Chief Brian Brass late Friday.

“Chief Brass was a kind and honourable man who deeply cared for his people at home and worked for the good of all First Nations people throughout MKO”, notes the Grand Chief. “I had the opportunity to work with him on the MKO Housing Secretariat in 1997 and I found him to be a strong believer and defender of our Treaty Right to Shelter and I know a proud moment for him was bringing the Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement home to his First Nation,” says Grand Chief Garrioch.

“The vision of Chief Brass nearly a decade ago is starting to come to fruition today as his community has a new housing development and a new gas and convenience business along one of central Manitoba’s busiest highways thanks to the hard work of Brian Brass fighting for the Treaties to be honoured by Canada,” stated the MKO Grand Chief.

“On behalf the leadership of our 30 First Nations, our staff and management, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Chief Brian Brass and the entire Wuskwi Sipihk Cree Nation and indeed the Swampy Cree Tribal Council,” concluded Grand Chief Garrioch.

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Contact:
Grand Chief Dr. Sydney Garrioch
(204) 792-8120