“I believe his comments are offensive on the basis that a premier should have a better understanding of the historical discrimination that we as Indigenous people have endured for generations,” said consultant Derek Nepinak, who is the former grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

“When we hear the word ‘benefits,’ what it’s tied to is what I believe to be a false narrative about Indigenous people receiving benefits from being identified as status Indians or government programs and services.

"It ties into a language that I think is a discourse to me that is somewhat racially motivated. It’s inaccurate.”