AMC Calls for Public Inquiry into RCMP Surveillance of First Nations Leadership
March 26, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (March 26, 2026) – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), is calling for a full, independent public inquiry following recent reporting confirming that the RCMP conducted extensive surveillance of First Nations leaders, organizations, and advocacy efforts across the country.
Consistent with its mandate to advance, protect, and assert the inherent, Treaty, and constitutional rights of First Nations, AMC views this reporting as deeply concerning and fundamentally incompatible with Nation-to-Nation relations.
What has been uncovered is not oversight. It is systemic.
Recent reporting by CBC News confirms that First Nations leadership—engaged in lawful, constitutionally protected advocacy—were monitored through wiretaps, informants, and intelligence files. These actions targeted leaders carrying out their responsibilities to their Nations, grounded in Treaty relationships and inherent jurisdiction.
AMC is calling this what it is: a direct infringement on First Nations governance and a continuation of colonial surveillance practices in Canada.
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson stated that the findings strike at the core of First Nations leadership and governance.
“First Nations leaders are not extremists. We are elected and recognized representatives of our Nations, mandated by our citizens to defend our lands, rights, and future generations. Surveillance of our leadership is not only unacceptable—it is an affront to our inherent authority and Treaty relationship with the Crown.”
As part of its responsibility to advocate on behalf of First Nations in Manitoba, AMC is calling on the federal government to act without delay:
Launch a full, independent public inquiry with meaningful First Nations leadership and oversight
Immediately disclose all RCMP records and intelligence files related to the surveillance of First Nations individuals, leadership, and organizations
Issue a formal public apology acknowledging the harms caused, including the mischaracterization of lawful First Nations advocacy
Establish public hearings to ensure First Nations voices are heard and respected in the pursuit of accountability
Implement legislative and policy safeguards to prevent the surveillance of First Nations leadership and governance activities in the future
This matter goes beyond individual incidents. It raises serious concerns about the ongoing treatment of First Nations and the extent to which Canada continues to rely on colonial mechanisms to monitor and manage First Nations peoples.
Actions such as these undermine trust, erode relationships, and contradict Canada’s stated commitments to reconciliation and respect for Treaty partnerships.
At a time when governments speak to renewed relationships, these findings demonstrate a clear disconnect between rhetoric and reality.
“First Nations leadership carries responsibilities not only to our people, but to our ancestors and future generations. Advocacy for our rights and lands is not a threat—it is our duty. Canada must decide whether it will honour that reality or continue to undermine it.”
AMC maintains that anything less than full transparency, accountability, and a public inquiry fails to meet the standard required in a true Nation-to-Nation relationship.
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.