AMC Leadership Heads to India to Advance First Nations Trade, Investment and Economic Self-Determination
October 8, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
Jesse Nobess
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMC Leadership Heads to India to Advance First Nations Trade, Investment and Economic Self-Determination
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg — [October 8, 2026] — Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Kyra Wilson and Chief Derek Nepinak of Minegoziibe Anishinabe, who was selected to participate, will travel to India as part of the Team Canada Trade Mission led by the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, from October 12 to 17, 2026.
AMC’s participation will advance a clear purpose: to open international markets for First Nation-owned businesses, pursue investment and commercial partnerships, and ensure that First Nations have a meaningful role in shaping the economic relationships Canada is building abroad.
“First Nations have our own governments, our own economies and our own responsibilities to the generations who will follow us,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Federal and provincial governments bring their priorities to international trade tables. First Nations must be there to bring ours. Decisions that shape the future of our lands, resources and economies require our direct participation from the beginning.”
The mission builds on AMC’s work to connect its Member First Nations with international trade and investment opportunities. In India, AMC will seek relationships with buyers, distributors, investors and business partners who can help First Nation-owned enterprises reach new markets and advance development priorities established by First Nations themselves. Areas of interest include agriculture and food products, clean energy, natural resources and related services, infrastructure, technology and professional services.
AMC will also seek practical support from Canada to help businesses turn those relationships into commercial opportunities, including market intelligence, export preparation, financing connections and sustained follow-up through the Trade Commissioner Service. A further priority is ensuring that First Nations’ interests and participation are meaningfully reflected in the developing Canada–India trade relationship.
“Our Nations have traded, formed alliances and maintained relationships across territories for generations,” said Chief Derek Nepinak. “We carry that experience and responsibility with us. We are going to India to build relationships that respect who we are and create opportunities our people can develop on their own terms. That means ownership, meaningful employment, stronger businesses and benefits that remain in our Nations.”
For AMC, international trade is connected to the broader work of strengthening First Nations economies and self-determination. Access to markets, investment and technology can help Nations generate their own revenues, expand opportunities for young people and support their priorities over the long term.
“Economic reconciliation must be reflected in who helps set the agenda, who owns the businesses and who shares in the prosperity,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “We welcome the opportunity to undertake this work alongside Minister Sidhu and the Team Canada delegation. We go with a willingness to build respectful relationships and a responsibility to secure meaningful results for our Member Nations.”
AMC’s objective is to return with credible business prospects, investment and partnership discussions, and clear next steps that Member First Nations and their enterprises can pursue. The longer-term goal is to establish enduring commercial relationships between First Nations in Manitoba and partners in India.
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For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs was created in 1988 by First Nations in Manitoba to coordinate political action and technical work on common issues. Through the Chiefs-in-Assembly, AMC works collectively to promote, preserve, and protect First Nations and Treaty rights, strengthen First Nations cultures, traditions, languages, economies and societies, and advance self-determination and self-government. AMC represents 63 First Nations in Manitoba and the diverse Anishinaabe, Nehetho/Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.