Amanda Lathlin, Manitoba’s first female First Nations MLA, was sworn in May 4.
“I am very proud to welcome Amanda to the Legislative Assembly today,” said Premier Greg Selinger in an NDP press release. “She is deeply rooted in her community, is a lifelong northerner and will be an excellent advocate for families in The Pas constituency.”
Lathlin was elected in an April 21 byelection to fill the seat in The Pas, which was vacant since Frank Whitehead, The Pas MLA since 2008, resigned in 2014. Lathlin’s father, the late Oscar Lathlin, was MLA for The Pas from 1990 to 2008.
An Opaskwayak Cree Nation member, Lathlin has a bachelor of arts in native studies and political studies from the University of Manitoba and served as the University College of the North’s representative workforce co-ordinator. She is also a former OCN band councillor.
“It has always been an honour to see First Nation women take leadership roles to help improve the disparities between First Nations and the rest of the Canadian society in health, education, economic opportunities and living conditions,” said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Derek Nepinak in a press release congratulating the new MLA. “I am sure Amanda is going to work hard to help close this socio-economic gap and ensure equal access of services for the people she represents. May your hard work bring you higher responsibilities and positions in your political career.”
