AMC Calls for Real Engagement and Investment from Major Projects Office
November 3, 2025
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Grand Chief Kyra Wilson are calling for meaningful, Treaty-based engagement – and recognition of Dakota sovereignty – as Canada advances its Major Projects Office (MPO) and supply-chain infrastructure agenda.
Today’s 90-minute virtual session, convened with little notice, was framed as a Manitoba follow-up to the Prime Minister’s First Nations Summit on Bill C-5 in Gatineau. Manitoba First Nations leadership emphasized that the short format did not allow for real discussion on the major economic and environmental decisions expected to reshape Manitoba for generations.
“Our leaders were invited into this discussion with almost no lead time and no clarity,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “This cannot be considered real engagement when First Nations have the most at stake and the least opportunity to shape the decisions Canada is already advancing.”
Despite repeated federal messaging about urgency, not one dollar has flowed to Manitoba First Nations to support participation in project planning, capacity building, or economic inclusion. Manitoba also has no First Nations representative on the MPO’s Indigenous Advisory Circle—despite being home to the only deep-water Arctic port in Canada.
“I have to give the province some credit for taking steps toward partnership. It may not be perfect, but at least there is movement,” said Chief Gordon Bluesky. “Federally, we’ve seen no comparable effort — and no resources allocated to help our Nations meaningfully participate in these so-called major projects. Real partnership requires investment, not just invitations.”
“Manitoba is the heart of this country,” stated Grand Chief Wilson. “The Port of Churchill connects Canada from coast to coast to coast — yet Manitoba First Nations are being treated as if we are peripheral. We will not allow our lands and infrastructure to be leveraged for national benefit while our Nations are denied a seat at the table.”
“Every project that moves through the North moves through our territories. Our communities have carried the burden of development without ever being treated as true partners,” said Chief Darryl Wastesicoot. “If Canada is serious about building a new future, it must start by recognizing our right to lead in our own lands. The strength of this country depends on the strength of its First Nations — not on decisions made for us, but with us.”
Canada has repeatedly said that it is “building the ship as they go” with respect to the MPO. Manitoba First Nations—including Dakota Nations who hold sovereign status and never entered into treaty—are insisting they must be full partners in the design and construction of that ship.
“For generations, northern First Nations have carried the weight of major development across our lands — hydro, mining, and transportation — yet we continue to see decisions made without us,” said Chief Morris Beardy. “True partnership means more than consultation; it means shared authority, resources, and respect for the knowledge that has sustained our territories since time immemorial. Our Nations are ready to lead — what’s missing is the government’s willingness to work beside us.”
The AMC is calling for direct collaboration in co-designing future engagement and ensuring that Manitoba First Nations have regionally-based decision-making authority and the resources needed to participate fully in infrastructure and economic development. We welcome collaboration as Treaty partners and sovereign Dakota Nations. It is up to Canada to demonstrate real partnership with First Nations.
AMC will continue to advocate for a fair, transparent, and Nation-to-Nation approach as Canada’s major projects strategy moves forward.
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.