AFN National Chief Raises Serious Concerns About Infringement of First Nations Rights in Bill C-21 – Calls for Immediate Withdrawal of Bill and First Nations Engagement

Press Release

(April 23, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today in response to Bill C-21, An Act to give effect to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, which is moving to its second reading in the House of Commons.

“This piece of legislation must not proceed until First Nations voices’ are heard and our rights are respected, protected and upheld,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The Treaty Agreement outlined in the Bill was made without any consultation with First Nations, despite having major implications for First Nations lands and territories in Manitoba and beyond. The undefined territorial scope of the Red River Métis within the Bill would set the stage for expansive Métis jurisdiction over areas that conflict with the existing rights and jurisdiction of First Nations. We will not stand for any erosion or attack on our recognized rights and jurisdiction. The federal government’s approach is only going to undermine certainty and create conflict and they must immediately withdraw  this legislation.”

Bill C-21 threatens to create a hierarchy of rights, with the federal government seeking to implement the alleged self-government rights of the Red River Metis at the expense of First Nations Treaty rights. The legislation sets the stage for expansive Métis jurisdiction over areas like economic and social development, administration of justice, wildlife, migratory birds, and fish harvesting and management, and environmental protection and assessment. This has the potential to undermine certainty and create legal battles for years to come in any area with possible jurisdictional overlap.

“No treaty with the Red River Métis can supersede our existing First Nations Treaties, or our inherent right since time immemorial to self-determination,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we urge Minister Rebecca Alty of Crown-Indigenous Relations to withdraw Bill C-21 and fulfill the Government’s duty to consult with First Nations and its obligation to implement First Nations Treaties. Should the Bill continue to advance, the AFN will fully support First Nations rights-holders in any legal action to oppose this legislation, including injunctions, judicial reviews, and action in the Manitoba King’s Court and the Federal Courts.”

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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. Follow AFN on X at @AFN_Updates.

For more information, please contact:

Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
cfrancis@afn.ca

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