AMC: Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Stands in Support of Treaty Land Entitlement Committee as Litigation Resumes
March 30, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (March 30, 2026) – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) expresses its full support for the Treaty Land Entitlement Committee (TLEC) of Manitoba as it resumes legal action against Canada for ongoing breaches of the 1997 Manitoba Framework Agreement (MFA).
This moment should not be necessary.
First Nations entered into the MFA in good faith to resolve long-outstanding Treaty Land Entitlement obligations. Nearly three decades later, those commitments remain unfulfilled. The need for litigation once again underscores a persistent failure by Canada to uphold the honour of the Crown and to implement agreements in a timely, diligent, and meaningful way.
“It is deeply frustrating and profoundly disappointing that our Nations are forced, yet again, to defend what has already been agreed to,” said Chief Nelson Genaille, President of the Treaty Land Entitlement Committee. “The Manitoba Framework Agreement was meant to bring resolution and certainty to our people. Instead, we continue to face delays, unilateral changes, and broken commitments. Our Nations have waited long enough.”
The AMC echoes these concerns and raises serious questions about Canada’s credibility and commitment to reconciliation.
“At a time when governments are speaking about economic corridors, critical minerals, and revenue sharing across our territories, it is unacceptable that agreements like Treaty Land Entitlement remain unfulfilled after three decades,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Canada cannot expect to advance major projects through our lands while failing to honour the very agreements that address unfulfilled Treaty Land entitlements. Treaty implementation is not optional—it is a legal and sacred obligation.”
The MFA was intended to address land shortfalls owed to First Nations under Treaty by providing 1.1 million acres of reserve land. However, its implementation has been consistently undermined by federal delays and unilateral decision-making. Despite arbitration rulings and court decisions affirming Canada’s obligations, First Nations continue to bear the burden of enforcement.
The collapse of a negotiated $3.5 billion settlement in 2024 further deepens concerns about Canada’s willingness to resolve these matters in good faith.
The AMC stands with TLEC leadership, Knowledge Keepers, and their citizens as they pursue justice through the courts. While litigation should never be the path required to enforce Treaty obligations, First Nations will continue to assert their rights and hold Canada accountable.
Canada must answer a fundamental question: how can it speak of reconciliation, partnership, and shared prosperity while failing to uphold the agreements already made?
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.