Responding to U.S. threats, Treaty No. 6 First Nations encourage partnership opportunities

March 10, 2025 (Treaty No. 6 Territory) —The U.S.'s insistence on referring to our Land as the 51st State is offensive and wrong. As Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations, I remind our southern neighbours that Canada is on Treaty Land. Our First Nations are sovereign

Nations with Treaty Rights forever; we stand against U.S. aggression.

First Nations remain willing partners in infrastructure and trade opportunities. The Government of Canada and its provincial governments must focus on internal partnerships with First Nations across the country — Indigenous Peoples can be the answer. With respect for our economic sovereignty — as full-equity partners — the contributions of First Nations must be recognized, understood and viewed as a solution. We are in this together.

We must look for new ways to diversify our economies. Canada is a resource-based country

critical minerals, energy resources, grains, forestry and water are embedded in our Treaty

Territories. We remind governments across the country that resource extraction requires the

involvement of First Nations. The Government of Canada and its provincial governments have a duty to consult First Nations before any project is undertaken and cannot break ground, develop or build on our Land until we allow it.

As the cost of living increases due to U.S. uncertainty for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, we must all come together in unity, strength and leadership. Through cooperation and adherence to Treaty, we can break away from U.S. dependency and foster relationships here at home and in markets abroad — all with Indigenous Peoples and the next seven generations in mind.

In partnership and friendship, aiy hiy,

Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais

Media Contact:

Jill McKenzie

pipikwan péhtakwan

jill@pipikwanpehtakwan.com