Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – As the federal government moves forward with new legislation focused on national interest projects, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is calling for an immediate halt to its advancement until proper consultation and co-development with First Nations has taken place.

“Any legislation that affects our Traditional Territories, inherent rights, or economic futures must be co-developed with First Nations,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “These are not just policy issues — they are constitutional, and Treaty matters that strike at the heart of our relationship with the Crown.”

In a formal letter to the Privy Council, the AMC outlined its concerns regarding the lack of meaningful engagement on proposed federal legislation that may significantly affect First Nations lands and jurisdictions. Grand Chief Wilson emphasized that the current wildfire crisis in Manitoba has made timely engagement with this legislative initiative impossible, and that moving ahead without First Nations’ input would constitute a breach of the federal government’s duty to consult.

“First Nations in Manitoba are responding to the largest wildfire evacuations in our province’s history,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “In the midst of this crisis, we have not had the opportunity to meaningfully review or provide input on a piece of legislation that could profoundly impact our Nations for generations to come.”

The AMC asserts that any national interest legislation must reflect region-specific legal and constitutional contexts, particularly in Manitoba, where the Natural Resources Transfer Act (NRTA) continues to undermine the exercise of Treaty and inherent rights. A blanket approach to national legislation without this recognition risks further marginalization and legal conflict.  The AMC is also echoing the national call from the Assembly of First Nations, which recently raised alarm over the federal outline of this legislation. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak warned that without free, prior, and informed consent, this legislation could be “marred and mired in conflict and protracted litigation.”

“This is not just about legislation – it’s about the future of our Nations,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “If Canada is serious about reconciliation, then it must live up to its commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). That means engaging with us as full partners, not as an afterthought. We must be at the table from the beginning. Just last week, we stood with First Nations from across Turtle Island during the King’s visit to state that leadership needs to be part of these spaces and these discussions.”

The AMC is formally requesting that the federal government:

• Delay any further development of the national interest legislation until regional engagement sessions can occur with First Nations in Manitoba;
• Immediately share all preliminary drafts of the legislation with First Nations rights holders;
• Establish a co-development process that upholds the spirit and intent of the Treaties and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

“Canada cannot claim to be building a better future while ignoring the very Nations who hold the original jurisdiction over this land,” concluded Grand Chief Wilson. “True nation-building must begin with the recognition of First Nations as full partners – nothing less will suffice.”

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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 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.