Press Releases

Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), representing the sovereign Treaty Nations of Manitoba, is preparing for a significant and historic moment in the relationship between our First Peoples and the Crown: the anticipated reading of the Speech from the Throne by His Majesty King Charles III on May 27th, 2025. This will mark the first time in over seven decades—since King George VI in 1951—that a reigning monarch personally delivers the Speech from the Throne in Canada.

For the First Peoples of these lands, this event is far more than ceremonial. The relationship between the Crown and First Nations is foundational, rooted in sacred Treaties made in ceremony and in good faith, tying those words and promises with the Creator, and carrying the expectation of honour, respect, and mutual recognition. The Treaties are agreements that remain central to our identities, our lands, and our inherent rights.

Under the leadership of Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, the AMC has taken steps to ensure that the voices of Manitoba First Nations are represented and amplified. Grand Chief Wilson has been steadfast in asserting that this moment must not pass without accountability. “King Charles III’s visit must be more than symbolic; it must affirm the Treaty relationship,” Grand Chief Wilson emphasized. “Our Treaties were made in good faith, and we will continue to engage the Crown in its sacred obligations.”

In preparation for the King Charles III’s visit, the AMC has taken the step of drafting a formal position paper, co-developed with AMC Member First Nations, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, which clearly articulates our collective stance on the Crown’s obligations to the Treaty relationship. This document outlines the theft of First Nations sovereign territories, beginning in 1670 when King Charles II issued a Royal Charter granting the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) control over vast lands that had never been ceded. It follows this injustice through to HBC’s 1868 sale of Rupert’s Land to Canada and highlights the Crown’s ongoing failure to implement and uphold the Treaties in the spirit and intent in which they were signed. This position paper will be presented directly to His Majesty as a reminder of the sacred promises that bind us, and the urgent need for a new era of Treaty recognition and implementation.

Moreover, Grand Chief Wilson is actively working in unity with leadership from other Treaty Nations across Turtle Island in preparation to travel to Ottawa to engage with the Crown. “We are not simply preparing for a visit, we are preparing to hold the Crown accountable to the sacred promises made to our Peoples,” said Grand Chief Wilson. The coordination across Treaty territories reflects the growing strength and unity of First Nations leadership and underscores their shared commitment to ensuring that the Treaties are honoured in full.

The visit of King Charles III is an opportunity for renewal, but only if it begins with truth, respect, and the will to fulfill the Treaties. The AMC stands ready to speak with unity, strength, and purpose on behalf of our member First Nations.

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

Email: media@manitobachiefs.com

About 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.