AMC, MKO Call for Immediate Action Needed to Honour Pre-1975 Treaties with First Nations

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) are urging the Government of Canada to take immediate action to fully recognize and implement pre-1975 treaties with First Nations. These foundational agreements, negotiated between sovereign nations, have been ignored for over 150 years, perpetuating injustice and inequality.

AMC Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy said, “Pre-1975 treaties are sacred, binding agreements between sovereign nations, not domestic matters. Canada’s failure to honour these treaties as international covenants has deeply harmed First Nations and their well-being.”

The non-implementation of these treaties undermines trust and reconciliation efforts. The AMC and MKO are calling for Canada to take the following steps:

1. Convene a First Ministers Conference (FMC) with pre-1975 treaty First Nations to establish a genuine, nation-to-nation dialogue to finalize treaty implementation.
2. Issue a Cabinet Directive to complete the implementation of pre-1975 treaties, including restoring land rights, providing adequate resources, and legally recognizing First Nations as equal partners in Confederation.

“The government failing to act would be a complete disregard to the original intent of the treaties. The government must do the right thing and act immediately. Our concerns have gone unaddressed by Canada for far too long. Our treaties must be upheld,” says MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee.

Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy has announced her intention to call an emergency meeting of the AMC member Nations to address this pressing matter. Additionally, she will be presenting an emergency resolution at the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly next week, ensuring that Treaty Nations across Canada have the opportunity to deliberate on this critical issue.

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For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

Naomi Clarke, MKO Communications
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: naomi.clarke@mkonorth.com
Web: https://mkonation.com/

NT5