Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Responds to Discussions on Constitutional Change and Western Premiers Meeting – First Nations Must Be Included in Any Discussions Concerning Canada’s Constitutional Future
Press Release
May 26, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba — Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson is reminding provincial and federal leaders that First Nations’ inherent and Treaty rights, affirmed under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, must be fully respected in any discussions concerning constitutional reform, jurisdiction, or the future of Confederation.
The statement comes following recent public comments by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith today concerning constitutional change and ahead of this week’s Western Premiers’ Conference.
“As premiers gather to discuss the future of western Canada on matters such as trade corridors, energy security, Arctic sovereignty, emergency preparedness, housing, and resource development, it is important to remember that First Nations are sovereign Nations with inherent rights,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Our Nations existed long before the creation of the prairie provinces, and our relationships with the Crown remain constitutionally protected and enduring.”
Grand Chief Wilson emphasized that Treaties are sacred nation-to-nation agreements founded upon mutual respect, coexistence, and shared stewardship of the land. “Treaties are not political instruments that can be revisited through shifting provincial agendas,” said Wilson. “Provincial governments did not create the Treaty relationship and cannot unilaterally redefine it.”
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs further noted that constitutional change in Canada is governed through established constitutional amending formulas requiring significant federal and provincial participation. “Any discussion concerning constitutional reform, national unity, separation, or the redistribution of powers must recognize and respect First Nations as sovereign Nations,” Wilson stated. “Our rights do not flow from provincial or federal governments. They come from the Creator, are recognized through Treaty relationships with the Crown, and are affirmed under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 , and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”
Grand Chief Wilson said the Western Premiers’ Conference also presents an opportunity for premiers to reaffirm their shared commitment to upholding Treaty relationships and the constitutional protections affirmed under Section 35. “It is important that all governments clearly understand that constitutional change in Canada involves established legal and constitutional processes,” said Wilson. “First Nations must be included in discussions that may impact our inherent rights, Treaties, and relationships with the Crown.”
The AMC also stands with First Nations leadership in Alberta as they continue to raise concerns regarding referendum discussions and broader political debates concerning Alberta’s future within Confederation.
“We support our relatives in Alberta as they continue to advocate for the recognition and protection of Treaty rights, inherent rights, and First Nations jurisdiction,” Wilson said. “These discussions cannot move forward without the full inclusion and participation of First Nations.”
The AMC calls on all premiers and federal leaders to uphold the honour of the Crown and ensure that any discussions concerning constitutional change, jurisdiction, natural resources, or national unity fully recognize and respect First Nations jurisdiction, Treaty obligations, and the constitutional protections affirmed under Section 35.
“First Nations are not going anywhere. Our rights are not temporary, and they are not subordinate to provincial interests,” Wilson said. “The Treaties are sacred and enduring agreements that continue to bind this country today.”
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
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