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Unceded Algonquin Anishinabeg Territory (Ottawa) October 26, 2026 – Today, First Nations Chiefs and leaders met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Canadian premiers at the first meeting of its kind in over two decades. 

The First Nations and First Ministers Meeting was designed to share the concerns of First Nations in four key areas while also holding the federal and provincial governments to account. Chiefs from Nations in Manitoba spoke on Treaties, Jurisidiction and First Nations Priorities; Economic Partnerships and Participation; Stronger Nations; and a Shared Resilient Prosperous Path Forward.

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson was selected by the Executive Council of Chiefs to speak on behalf of the 63 Member First Nations of Manitoba. Grand Chief Wilson began by directly addressing the Prime Minister: “You stood up to one of the most powerful countries in the world and said Canada was not for sale, and its agreements cannot be rewritten unilaterally…Our Nations have said the same since 1871.” 

Chief David Crate of Fisher River Cree Nation spoke to Economic Partnerships and Participation discussion by stating: “The outcome we seek is practical: responsible ministers, funded negotiations, a clear workplan, transparent revenue information and public accountability to the participating Nations. Our governments must be able to decide how wealth from our territories builds lasting opportunities for our people.” 

During the Stronger Nations discussion, Chief Delhia Hart of Marcel Colomb First Nation directly challenged Canada to invest in her Nation. Two open pit gold mines are being built on their lands with modern infrastructure, like roads, worker housing, water treatment facilities and a health clinic to support it. 

“Nobody calls that spending. They call it the cost of doing business. Yet when our Nations ask for the same thing, governments call it spending,” stated Chief Hart. 

In the last session titled: A Shared Resilient Prosperous Path Forward, Chief David Monias of Pimichikamak Cree Nation and Chief Tréchelle Bunn of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation both spoke.

Chief Monias called for the withdrawal of Bill C-39, the proposed Building Canada Strong Act. This controversial bill has trampled the rights of First Nations while ignoring free, prior and informed consent. 

“Our sovereignty did not begin with Canada, and our Treaties did not erase our existence as Nations. Section 35 recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights. Governments must respect those rights in practice,” said Chief Monias. 

“We cannot accept accelerated development that risks weakening safeguards and advancing projects before meaningful association and engagement,” stated Chief Monias. 

Chief Bunn spoke to Canada’s formal apology to the Dakota and Lakota Nations on July 15, 2024.

“As Canada itself acknowledged in its apology, our Dakota and Lakota Nations never entered into treaties with Canada, nor did we relinquish our inherent rights to our lands and territories. Those rights remain intact and must be recognized, respected, and upheld,” stated Chief Bunn, adding: “But above all, Canada promised action. In its own words, the apology acknowledged that “words, while important, are hollow if not followed by action,”” said Chief Bunn.

Grand Chief Wilson finished with: “Prime Minister, you have asked for the world to respect Canada’s sovereignty and honour its agreements. Will Canada honour ours?”

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About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) advocates on behalf of 63 First Nations in Manitoba, advancing and protecting First Nations Treaty and inherent rights, jurisdiction, and collective interests. The AMC works to ensure First Nations voices are heard and respected in decisions affecting their Nations, lands, and future generations.

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Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
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