MKO Responds to Revelations of RCMP Surveillance of Indigenous Leaders; Calls for Full Transparency and a Public Apology

Press Release

March 25, 2026

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg Mb – In light of newly revealed RCMP intelligence files showing decades of covert surveillance targeting Indigenous leaders and organizations across Canada, MKO is calling for a full accounting of the RCMP’s racist “Native extremism program” and a public apology for the intrusive policing that treated lawful political advocacy as a security threat.

It reveals the use of wiretaps, paid informants, covert operatives, and intelligence dossiers on hundreds of Indigenous people, many of whom are respected First Nations citizens, political leaders, educators, and advocates.

According to reporting by CBC Indigenous, former Assembly of First Nations National Chiefs Phil Fontaine and Ovide Mercredi are among those named in the RCMP Security Service intelligence files. Police also targeted Eric Robinson, who later served as a Manitoba cabinet minister and deputy premier. The RCMP monitored peaceful efforts to advance land rights, self‑determination, and social justice for First Nations. Surveillance operations likely impacted advocacy efforts and influenced funding decisions, violating fundamental civil liberties.

This history continues to shape the relationship between Indigenous peoples and public institutions. Trust remains fragile, and revelations like these reinforce the long-standing concerns about systemic racism and government interference.

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee stated:

“Learning that our leaders, people who were fighting for basic rights and dignity for Indigenous people, were treated as threats is shocking. This was targeted political surveillance rooted in racism and colonialism. MKO demands a full public apology.”

MKO joins others in calling on the Minister of Public Safety to:
– Release all remaining RCMP files related to this surveillance program
– Hold public hearings with affected leaders, families, and Nations
– Issue a formal public apology for the RCMP’s actions and their lasting impacts

These steps are essential to rebuilding trust and ensuring that Indigenous political advocacy is never again treated as a threat to national security.

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