Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Kyra Wilson shares the following two statements after a two-day Special Chiefs Assembly:

“Last week, the Chiefs-in-Assembly convened to engage in critical discussions about the Province of Manitoba’s proposed Crown–Indigenous Corporation (MCIC), a response to the Government of Canada’s push for ‘nation-building’ major projects. We opened in ceremony, with our Elders and Knowledge Keepers emphasizing the obligations arising from our Treaty relationship with the Crown. They also reminded Leadership that Free, Prior, and Informed Consent is the exercise of First Nations decision-making authority over their lands, resources, and futures, and is not the same as consultation.

The AMC Chiefs discussed the key elements of the proposed MCIC, including governance options and fiscal frameworks. They spoke with honesty and conviction, seeking consensus on a path forward that upholds Treaty and inherent rights, protects ancestral lands, and secures lasting benefits for their citizens. Chiefs reaffirmed that Treaty and sovereignty are non-negotiable, emphasizing First Nations’ jurisdiction over their lands and waters, and their right to decide on and benefit from any developments. These discussions made clear that First Nations are not stakeholders in a provincial initiative but sovereign Nations whose laws and decisions must guide the way forward.”

“Last Friday, Premier Wab Kinew attended the Chiefs-in-Assembly with Ministerial and official delegates to discuss his proposed MCIC. The model includes a 12-seat board, with only 5 seats designated for First Nations – expected to represent all 63 Nations in Manitoba and more than 172,000 citizens. Chiefs raised concerns about this imbalance, stressing the need for representation that reflects the inherent rights of First Nations as rights holders and decision-makers over their lands and waters.

Premier Kinew outlined the thinking behind his proposal, noting that it marks the first time Manitoba has engaged First Nations before creating a Crown corporation. He emphasized that should First Nations chose not to move forward with his proposal, and that such a decision would still leave the door open to other forms of partnership. While some Chiefs expressed interest in strengthening the idea through co-development, many remained cautious about the framework as it stands.

Leadership gave a mandate to proceed carefully with the Province of Manitoba, without committing to the present proposal. They will continue to engage in dialogue with the Province while working toward a stronger framework, with further discussion set for the AMC Annual General Assembly on September 10-12, 2025. This meeting marked the early stages of a conversation, not consultation, and reflects the Chiefs’ determination to advance the interests of their citizens and Nations while upholding Treaties and inherent jurisdiction. The Chiefs remain committed to being constructive partners in this work and trust that the Province will approach the path ahead in the same spirit of respect and responsibility.

Looking ahead, the path requires not just urgency, but unity and resolve. Guided by Treaty, First Nations remain committed to building a future that affirms sovereignty and delivers lasting benefits for generations to come.”

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.