Confederacy of Treaty No.6 First Nations statement on Summit with Prime Minister Carney

^{Free, prior and informed consent is non-negotiable}

Photo credit: www.cbc.ca

July 18, 2025 (Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory) — While I acknowledge the importance of the conversations held at the One Canadian Economy Act Summit between First Nations Leadership and Prime Minister Mark Carney today, I remain deeply concerned about this government’s commitment to, and understanding of, the Treaties it entered into with First Nations.

Free, prior and informed consent on First Nations Lands is non-negotiable. An advisory role is inadequate for real partnership. While I appreciate this government’s acknowledgement that the summit was not consultation, I question whether it understands what true, meaningful consultation is - and what that should look like going forward.

We are at a pivotal moment. The Government of Canada must restore its Treaty relationships in good faith, integrity and with recognition of the full jurisdiction of First Nations. The time for delegated consultation is over. Treaty No. 6 First Nations are Rights holders and our Sovereignty requires meaningful consultation, Nation by Nation. Our collective future must be built on Treaty-based governance, rightful jurisdiction and full consent. Treaty No. 6 First Nations must be at the table for all agreements moving forward and First Nations must have an ownership stake and share in revenue generated by every projecton our Lands.

I am hopeful this is a future we can achieve, but I am also deeply skeptical. I will trust actions over words as we look to move forward. I expect more from our Treaty partners in Ottawa. First Nations will no longer accept imposed regimes breaching our Treaties, denying our authority and profiting from our Lands without consent.

‘As long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the waters flow’ is not a poetic sentiment - it is a constitutional and spiritual commitment and the Government of Canada must honour it.

Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais

Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations

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