Canada must uphold Treaty Implementation and Economic Partnership - including unfinished business of the NRTA
October 26, 2026 (Unceded Anishinabe Algonquin Territory) — Today, the Chiefs of Treaties No. 6, No. 7, No. 8 and the Blackfoot Confederacy attended the First Nations–First Ministers Meeting to meet with Canada bringing a united message: Our Treaties established the foundation upon which Canada and its provinces were built. Canada's prosperity will be contingent on the relationship that is built with Treaty First Nations and the commitments that Canada makes in upholding those Treaties.
Our Treaties are international covenants and living agreements that guide the relationship between our Sovereign Nations and the Crown. We are rights holders and Treaty partners, not stakeholders, and our inherent and Treaty rights cannot be diminished by federal or provincial policies or legislation. Our Nations have not authorized any organization to represent us or negotiate any arrangements without the expressed free, prior and informed consent of the rights-holding Nations.
Our Chiefs are calling for a permanent standing Treaty table between Canada, Alberta, Treaties No. 6, No. 7, No. 8 and the Blackfoot Confederacy with a clear mandate, committed resources, timelines and an agreed date for the first meeting. This table must advance Treaty implementation, resource revenue sharing, protection of our lands and waters, and meaningful participation in major projects.
Meaningful economic participation must extend beyond equity opportunities. Resource revenue sharing is a Treaty obligation that must be addressed. The 1930 Natural Resources Transfer Agreement transferred administrative control over natural resources without our consent, leaving generations of our people excluded from the wealth of our territories. This longstanding injustice must be addressed through direct Treaty-based discussions. We must deal with the unfinished business of Treaty, which includes the Natural Resource Transfer Act, 1930.
We support responsible economic development and nation-building projects that have proper environmental oversight, provide meaningful benefits and are agreed upon directly with Nations through transparency and fairness. However, development cannot come at the expense of our Treaty rights, lands, waters or future generations. We remain deeply concerned with Bill C-39 and legislation that seeks to accelerate major projects without meaningful consultation, environmental protections and the free, prior and informed consent of affected First Nations. United, we are calling for an immediate withdrawal of Bill C-39 so the legislation can be amended to respect and protect our inherent and Treaty rights.
Further, any discussion of the Indian Act must occur directly with First Nations as rights holders, through a process grounded in free, prior and informed consent that fully respects our inherent rights, Treaty relationships, sovereignty and jurisdiction.
The recent defeat of the Alberta separation referendum demonstrated the strength and importance of our Treaties. Treaty First Nations stood together. Some pursued legal challenges, and First Nations mobilized, taking control of the narrative and shaping the outcome. Our goal was to defend our Treaty rights and support the unity of Canada. Canada was absent in supporting our Treaty Nations in keeping the country together. You’re welcome, Canada.
While certain provincial premiers spoke on the importance of their relationships with Treaty First Nations, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith chose not to attend this important meeting to have meaningful discussions. Her absence is not surprising given Alberta's decision to appeal the court ruling recognizing the Province's duty to consult First Nations in relation to the separation referendum. Rather than continuing to challenge its constitutional obligations in court, Alberta should be working directly with Treaty Nations to rebuild trust, respect our rights and strengthen the Treaty relationship. Alberta has the duty to uphold the Honour of the Crown and Canada must stand with the First Nations to ensure they too uphold their duty to consult.
Our Nations are seeking commitments that lead to prosperity for our Nations and our future generations with measurable actions. Our Treaties should not be seen as obstacles to Canada's prosperity, but as partnerships that will build a stronger, united and prosperous Canada. Treaty is the foundation that will keep Canada intact.
Media Contacts:
Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations
Brian Golightly
Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs’ Association
Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksikáí'tsitapi) Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations
Theoren Royal
Treaty 8 Sovereign Nations
Jordan Wilkins
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