The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations is calling on the federal government to withdraw a Bill that would recognize the Manitoba Metis into a modern treaty.
Bill C-21 was first introduced in February and recently went through second reading.
The Bill would give a modern day treaty with the Red River Metis in Manitoba effectively giving them self governance.
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released a statement urging Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty to withdraw the bill.
“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,” said the National Chief.
The National Chief says the legislation must not proceed without First Nations input as it has the chance to “erode” First Nations already established Treaty Rights.
“No treaty with the Red River Metis can supersede our existing First Nations Treaties, or our inherent right since time immemorial to self-determination,” said Woodhouse-Nepinak.
Canada had recognized the Manitoba Metis Federation as an Indigenous government under a recognition agreement in 2021.
The Self-Government Treaty would build on this agreement including more details on law-making and resolving disputes.
However, the government says the Treaty would not include harvesting or any land-related rights.