MKO is calling on Premier Wab Kinew to reconsider his position on criminalizing residential school denialism.

In a release issued Tuesday, the northern Manitoba First Nations organization says it is disappointed with the premier’s support for addressing denialism through education instead.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee says education is essential, but cannot alone protect survivors and families from deliberate hate and harassment.

MKO wants Manitoba to engage directly with First Nations leaders and survivors, and urge Ottawa to work with them on stronger legislative protections.