MMF responds to release by Summit of Treaty 5 Sovereign Nations

September 12, 2025

Winnipeg, MB, in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis - Today, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, is responding to the September 12, 2025 Press Release by the Summit of Treaty Five Sovereign Nations. The Press Release concerns - among other things - their assertion of inherent economic authority, and that the MMF ought not to nominate nor Canada appoint a Red River Métis Citizen to Canada's Major Project Office Indigenous Advisory Council. Canada and the Red River Métis do not need consent from the Treaty Five First Nations to make such a decision.

These First Nations need to reflect on the very name of the Indigenous Advisory Council. Although no formal terms of reference have been released, it would be common sense that it has an advisory role. The word advisory does not mean it has an Indigenous decision-making nor representational role. Contrary to the news release's implication, it would not "speak on behalf" of Treaty Five First Nations nor anyone else.

Contrary to the news release, their sovereignty, title, and land-based jurisdiction don't have blanket coverage across the North. It is very limited in scope. Much of what they say is hollow rhetoric. There is often reference to Treaty Five supports their position while ignoring the fact that this treaty did "cede, release, surrender and yield up to the Government of the Dominion of Canada, for Her Majesty the Queen and Her successors for ever, all their rights, titles and privileges whatsoever to the lands [...]"

The First Nations are not the only Indigenous Peoples who have a special relationship with Canada and with the lands in our province. The MMF is the National Government of the Red River Métis - a distinct Indigenous collectivity, Canada's Partner in Confederation and Founder of the Province of Manitoba. We are the only Indigenous People to create a Canadian Province within our National Homeland.

Louis Riel, along with his provisional government, directed our representatives to negotiate a treaty with Canada. Sir John A. Macdonald, the Canadian Prime Minister at the time, informed the country that he was "treating with the halfbreeds."

Our negotiations led to a number of promises by Canada including, among other commitments, land for our families under Section 31 of the Manitoba Act, 1870. Our Bill of Rights, the foundation of our negotiations with Macdonald, included the requirement that treaties be made between Canada and the First Nations in the Northwestern Territory including what became Treaty Five.

We too have a special relationship with Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada in its famous 2013 decision MMF v Canada concerning 1870, stated that Section 31 is a "constitutional obligation," "a solemn obligation," and "sets out solemn promises - promises which are no less fundamental than treaty promises." Today, the MMF has renewed our nation-to-nation relationship with Canada with our 2024 Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty.

As a Treaty People, we will not be intimidated. And we cannot be ignored. We welcome Canada's Nation-building objectives. Towards the success of Indigenous Peoples, Manitobans, and indeed all Canadians, we look forward to building strong economic development partnerships with First Nations and other groups who are of the same mind and with the aspirations to strengthen our Peoples' present and our children's future.

This is not a time for division, but rather a time to build bridges and work together toward a stronger Canada.

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For more information, media may contact:
Kat Patenaude
Media Relations Advisor
Manitoba Métis Federation
204-801-7710
Kat.Patenaude@mmf.mb.ca

Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is the democratically elected National Government of the Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis. The Red River Métis are a distinct Indigenous Nation and People and Canada's Negotiating Partners in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

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