Law Students Attend NACC’s 53rd Annual General Assembly

From August 12 to 14, the Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC) hosted its 53rd Annual General Assembly & Trade Show in Winnipeg. This year’s theme, “Empowering Communities for Sustainable Change” reflected NACC’s enduring commitment to building resilient, self-sufficient northern communities. Incorporated in 1971, NACC represents 48 northern and remote communities across Manitoba, advocating for needs, including sustainable changes, equitable development and opportunities.

Over three dynamic days, more than 100 delegates—including community leaders, provincial officials, and development partners—gathered to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and address pressing issues facing the North. The Master of Ceremonies for the proceedings was Michael McMullen, a respected executive, author, and community organizer whose leadership helped set a tone of collaboration and purpose.

The Assembly showcased NACC’s mission to foster local development, promote social and economic growth, support community-based initiatives, and advocate for sustainable resource use. It also served as a vital platform for dialogue between northern communities and decision-makers at all levels of government.

Northern Voices, Visionary Leadership, Driving Tangible Change

Delegates heard from key federal and provincial leaders who underscored the importance of Northern Manitoba in shaping the province’s future:

• Hon. Rebecca Chartrand, Federal Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, emphasized empowering northern communities through a recorded video message.
• Hon. Glen Simard, Manitoba’s Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, praised NACC’s longstanding advocacy and fight for the rights of communities in a constantly changing landscape, highlighting how crucial the North is for Manitoba’s success.
• Hon. Jamie Moses, Manitoba’s Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation, spoke on the North’s significance in business of mining, trade, future job creation.
• Hon. Mike Moyes, Manitoba’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, discussed the importance of advocacy to enhance community development, noting the tremendous work done by NACC to further the ambitions and goals of its member communities.

• David Chartrand, O.M., President of the Manitoba Métis Federation, spoke on the vital role and power of collaborations and partnerships to build communities.

In addition, numerous Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers, and departmental staff attended, reinforcing the province’s commitment to collaborative governance and northern development.

Cole Hutchison (2L), Hon. Glen Simard (Minister of Municipal & Norther Relations), Donald Plant (2L).

A Year of Fighting Wildfires – and – Continued Fight for Equity in the North

Speakers acknowledged the extraordinary challenges faced by Northern Manitoba in 2025—a year marked by two provincial states of emergency, mass evacuations, and unprecedented wildfires. These environmental crises compounded existing hardships, including limited access to clean water, food insecurity, strained transportation networks, poor cellular connectivity, gaps in healthcare, education, employment and economic development.

Despite these challenges, northern communities demonstrated remarkable resilience. Many speakers emphasized that Northern Manitobans deserve the same level of services and opportunities as those in the south, and that systemic inequities must be addressed with urgency and respect.

NACC President Sheryl Matheson (Deputy Mayor of Sherridon, MB) reflected on the relationship between the organization and the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic, noting the significance of the work engaged in, and how it allowed this year’s Assembly to be not only a gathering, but also a reaffirmation of the strength of Northern Communities, shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to embracing change to empower communities. “Collaborating with the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic and their law students to complete our bylaws and policies was a highly efficient and valuable experience. Their professionalism and clarity made a complex process straightforward and manageable.”

NACC Executive Director Andrea Kwasnicki expressed gratitude for the support of the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic stating: “The Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC) is especially grateful to the Clinic for guiding us through the modernization of our bylaws and policies… Over the years, their expertise has been invaluable, and we deeply appreciate the care and mindfulness they bring to every task.”

Extraordinary Clients and Transformative Learning

Law students from the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic were privileged to be able to assist in supporting NACC’s governance review, including amendments to bylaws and corporate policies. This was a major project that began in the Winter 2025 with previous students Kassandra Taverner  [BSc/2020, JD 2025]  and Lisa Haydey  [MPT/2020, JD 2025] , and was later continued by 2L summer students Rachael Buchwald [BHSt/23] and Cole Hutchison [BComm (Hons)/2023], both JD Candidates 2027.

Cole Hutchison (2L), Rachael Buchwald (2L), Master of Ceremonies Michael McMullen

“Working with the NACC has provided us with an excellent opportunity to see first-hand the dedication and positive impact of the work that the NACC does, and we are proud to have had the opportunity and privilege to help those working to make Northern Manitoba communities stronger,” said Buchwald.

Hutchison added, “NACC embodies community-centered leadership, advocacy, and resilience, and it is extraordinary clients like the NACC that drive extraordinary change and also extraordinary learning for us as students.”

Donald Plant [BA/23] another 2L summer student with the Clinic who attended the Assembly shared his thoughts on the importance of the NACC, “It has been a privilege to learn about the important work that NACC has been engaged in for 53 years. As a result of their dedication, northern and remote communities across the province are positioned to achieve economic, social, and other growth, demonstrating the true resilience and vitality of the north for all of Manitoba.”  

The L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic is proud to stand alongside the NACC and others working together to build a stronger, more equitable future for Northern Manitobans.

Learning more about the Northern Association of Community Councils. 

Story submitted by the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic.