“Treaty and inherent rights are constitutionally protected and cannot be weakened through provincial political processes.”
— Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 27, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is reaffirming that the constitutional and Treaty rights of First Nations must remain fully protected as discussions continue regarding Alberta’s proposed constitutional referendum questions, western provincial relations, and major project development across Canada.
SCO stands in solidarity with Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 Nations who have raised serious concerns regarding proposals that could impact constitutionally protected Indigenous and Treaty rights. SCO recognizes and commends the leadership of First Nations in Alberta who continue to advocate for the protection of their Nations, citizens, lands, and Treaty relationships.
“The constitutional rights of First Nations are not subject to unilateral provincial interpretation or amendment,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Sections 25 and 35 of the Constitution Act recognize and affirm our inherent and Treaty rights. These are foundational commitments within Canada’s constitutional framework, and they must be respected by all levels of government.”
SCO also acknowledges Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew for raising concerns directly with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith during the recent western premiers’ meeting, particularly regarding constitutional obligations, the duty to consult, and the importance of upholding First Nations rights.
“We commend Premier Kinew for clearly affirming that First Nations rights and Treaty obligations cannot be ignored in conversations regarding constitutional reform or major economic development,” added Grand Chief Daniels. “Meaningful partnership with First Nations strengthens projects, strengthens economies, and strengthens relationships.”
SCO notes that Manitoba has begun advancing a new approach through ongoing discussions regarding the Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation (MCIC), which is intended to create a partnership model between First Nations and the Crown on major infrastructure and economic development initiatives. SCO and southern First Nations remain open to continued dialogue and collaboration regarding the implementation of this work.
At the same time, SCO stresses that concerns continue to exist regarding private-sector proponents and provincial permitting processes that still fail to consistently reflect the constitutional realities of First Nations rights and the duty to consult.
SCO recently stood alongside Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC) Nations regarding concerns tied to access restrictions affecting traditional harvesting areas connected to flood mitigation projects near Lake St. Martin. SCO recognizes Manitoba’s efforts to pursue permanent flood protection infrastructure; however, decisions impacting Treaty and inherent rights must be developed in full partnership with impacted Nations.
“While reforming long-standing systems and permitting processes takes time, governments and industry must recognize that Treaty and inherent rights are constitutionally protected rights, not administrative considerations,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “First Nations citizens must be involved as full partners in decisions affecting our lands, waters, harvesting practices, and economies.”
SCO further emphasized that reconciliation and economic development are strengthened when governments fully uphold their constitutional obligations and engage First Nations through respectful Nation-to-Nation relationships.
“Treaties are sacred agreements made with the Crown and they continue to carry legal and constitutional force today,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels. “Protecting these rights is necessary for future generations and for building a stronger Canada grounded in respect, partnership, and shared prosperity.”
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca