AMC Opens New Global Trade Opportunities During Successful Japan Mission
June 26, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Tokyo, Japan — The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) has concluded a successful Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan, advancing new economic relationships, promoting Manitoba First Nations businesses and ensuring Indigenous voices were represented at the highest levels of trade and government discussions.
Led by Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, the AMC delegation joined Canadian ministers, ambassadors, senior officials and business leaders in a week of bilateral meetings, trade forums, networking events and business-to-business discussions focused on strengthening the Canada–Japan economic relationship.
Throughout the mission, Grand Chief Wilson represented Manitoba First Nations during high-level discussions with Japanese and Canadian government leaders, participated in bilateral meetings, and was seated at the head table during key trade and economic sessions.
The delegation promoted Manitoba First Nations as trusted partners with world-class products, investment opportunities and expertise across agriculture, fisheries, critical minerals, energy, manufacturing and Indigenous-led business. The mission also reinforced that First Nations are rights holders whose participation is essential to Canada’s international trade agenda.
“This mission was about opening doors for our Nations. We came to Japan to build relationships, promote our businesses and make it clear that Manitoba First Nations are ready to partner with the world. The conversations we had this week will lead to new opportunities for our communities, our entrepreneurs and future generations,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson.
Chief Sheldon Kent of Black River First Nation brought Manitoba wild rice to Japan, where it was showcased throughout the Team Canada Trade Mission as an example of the premium Indigenous products ready for international markets. The wild rice was featured during meetings with Japanese business leaders, buyers and industry representatives, generating significant interest and opening discussions around future exports and commercial partnerships.
The response was immediate, with several companies expressing interest in continuing discussions following the mission and exploring opportunities to bring Manitoba First Nations products into the Japanese market.
“We wanted people to experience the quality of what our Nations produce, and the response spoke for itself. Our wild rice opened doors, started important conversations and created real interest from companies looking to work with First Nations. Those relationships don’t end here, they’re just getting started,” said Chief Sheldon Kent of Black River First Nation.
Councillor Rachel Ferreira of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation spent the week advocating for First Nations sovereignty in international trade, emphasizing that First Nations must be recognized as governments and rights holders in global trade negotiations involving their lands and resources.
“First Nations are not stakeholders; we are the original Nations and rights holders of our territories. We belong at the negotiating table whenever our lands and resources are involved. Canada should not be the only beneficiary of the wealth generated from our resources. First Nations must be included as equal partners and receive a fair share of the economic benefits from trade,” said Councillor Rachel Ferreira of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation.
The trade mission reinforces AMC’s commitment to ensuring First Nations are represented wherever major economic decisions are being made, at home and abroad, and that Manitoba First Nations continue to be recognized as rights holders, business partners and contributors to Canada’s growing international economy.
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.