Statement on Bill C-5 Receiving Royal Assent

June 30, 2025 (Treaty No. 6 Territory) — Now that Bill C-5 has received Royal Assent, the

Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations reflects on the process and outcome with a commitment to our Peoples, our Lands, and our Treaties. Treaty Rights are binding agreements made between our sovereign Nations and the Crown. Our ancestors signed these Treaties in good faith and we will continue to uphold them — just as we expect Canada to do.

Since its introduction, we have consistently raised the alarm about this legislation. We continue to have serious concerns about the lack of meaningful prior consultation, the sweeping powers it grants Cabinet and the risk it poses to constitutionally protected Treaty Rights. We brought those concerns forward publicly, forcefully and in the spirit of protecting future generations.

The exclusion of the Indian Act from the Bill's reach was a positive step. The prime minister's promise to engage First Nations this summer is another. We also took note of his acknowledgment that the process to date has failed to uphold the principles of true partnership and will be guided by the principles of free, prior and informed consent moving forward.

As we move toward implementation of Bill C-5, the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations calls on the federal government to ensure Treaty No. 6 leadership is fully involved in the creation and mandate of the Indigenous Advisory Group. That work must reflect First Nations governance, not replicate federal structures. Our leadership also calls on the federal government to invite our Nations to co-design and participate in national dialogue sessions. We require transparency about identified "projects of national priority" and early inclusion in discussions.

Our Nations are not opposed to economic development. We welcome opportunity when it is

grounded in respect, equity and sustainability. Decisions made behind closed doors without our full participation are not in keeping with the spirit or the letter of our Treaty relationship. We were not meant to be bystanders to decisions directly impacting our Lands, waters, and rights.

We are ready to engage constructively on a Nation-to-Nation basis. It's time to shift from symbolic gestures to meaningful action.

In partnership and friendship, aiy hiy,

Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais