AMC Calls on the Protection of First Nations Treaty Rights and Jurisdiction before Advancing Bill C-21: An Act to Give Effect to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty

Press Release

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (April 28, 2026) – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues the following statement on Bill C-21, An Act to Give Effect to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty.

The AMC reaffirms that First Nations are sovereign peoples whose inherent rights predate the formation of Canada. Treaties are foundational to the creation of Canada and cannot be treated as secondary to federal legislation. Treaties were entered into based on sovereignty—they did not extinguish it. These agreements established the legal and political framework of this country and continue to give rise to ongoing and unfulfilled obligations.

While the AMC recognizes that Métis rights are affirmed under section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982, we raise serious concerns about the approach taken in Bill C-21. This legislation advances recognition without resolving fundamental legal and constitutional questions, particularly in territories already defined by First Nations through pre-existing agreements with the Crown.

This legislation must clearly demonstrate how it advances and fulfills Canada’s existing obligations to treaty partners.

“Our Nations have been here since time immemorial. Our sovereignty did not begin with Canada, and it does not depend on Canadian legislation,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Any process that moves forward without addressing that reality risks creating conflict where there should be clarity and respect.”

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson acknowledges and expresses appreciation to National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, of the Assembly of First Nations, for her strong leadership and for speaking on behalf of First Nations across the country on this important matter.

Our Nations have occupied and governed these lands since time immemorial. Historical agreements—including pre-Confederation military and trade alliances—affirm our presence, jurisdiction, and responsibility to protect these lands and waters. These are not abstract claims; they are legal realities that Canada must respect.

In Manitoba, Treaty Land Entitlements (TLEs) remain outstanding treaty obligations that continue to require full implementation. Any legislation, including Bill C-21, must be structured in a way that does not create jurisdictional conflict with, or undermine, the fulfilment of these existing commitments.

For more than 150 years, federal policy and legislation have contributed to the decimation, erosion, and attempted elimination of status Indians, rather than the fulfillment of treaty promises. The Indian Act is not treaty implementation legislation, nor does it fulfill the Crown’s obligations under our treaties.

While Bill C-21 is being presented as implementing a specific agreement, there remains no equivalent, comprehensive treaty implementation legislation for First Nations. Canada must not suggest—implicitly or explicitly—that treaty obligations have already been fulfilled. They have not.

Any meaningful legislative agenda must include dedicated, distinctions-based treaty implementation that addresses these long-outstanding obligations.

At a time when critical supports for First Nations are being reduced—including funding cuts to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)—Canada is moving forward with new frameworks that risk creating uncertainty and conflict on our territories.

“It is deeply concerning to see funding reduced while new legislative frameworks are being advanced without the necessary resources or safeguards,” said Wilson. “Our Nations are still waiting on action for safe drinking water, health equity, and essential services. These priorities cannot be sidelined.”

This situation reflects a broader and ongoing inequity. While some agreements are being advanced through implementation legislation, First Nations continue to face the legacy of over 150 years of policies that have undermined treaty promises and governance. The absence of comparable treaty implementation for First Nations highlights a persistent imbalance that remains unresolved.

Bill C-21, as currently structured, risks enabling jurisdictional overlap without clear safeguards to protect First Nations Treaty rights. It must be clearly understood that such legislation cannot displace, override, or be interpreted as fulfilling the Crown’s outstanding treaty obligations to First Nations.

The AMC calls on Canada to:

Fully recognize and uphold First Nations sovereignty and Treaty relationships;
Ensure that no legislation infringes upon or weakens existing First Nations rights;
Address outstanding legal uncertainties before advancing new governance frameworks and legislation that give those frameworks effect;
Work collaboratively with First Nations to resolve long-standing priorities that impact our communities;
Include explicit, legally binding protections confirming that this legislation does not extend to or affect lands, waters, and air where First Nations rights and jurisdiction are asserted;
Establish clear and enforceable safeguards to protect First Nations Treaty and inherent rights, including those grounded in spiritual and natural laws;
Commit to the development of dedicated, distinctions-based treaty implementation legislation that addresses the full scope of outstanding treaty obligations to First Nations.

“Reconciliation must be grounded in the original agreements between First Nations and the Crown,” Wilson added. “It requires unity, respect, and a commitment to protect the rights of future generations.”

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com

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