The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Assembly of First Nations Manitoba Region are calling for an immediate reset of a new environmental review agreement signed between the federal and provincial governments on April 14, 2026. First Nations leaders in Manitoba say they were excluded from negotiations for the Canada-Manitoba Co-operation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment and are demanding to be included as equal partners in the process.
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, who represents 63 First Nations and approximately 172,000 citizens in the province, stated that First Nations must be at the table as governments. She noted that current consultation efforts happen only after decisions are already made, which she argues fails to meet constitutional and human rights standards.
The agreement is intended to streamline the approval process for major infrastructure projects, including the Port of Churchill Plus initiative, which proposes modernizing the port with new rail lines, an all-weather road, and expanded ice-breaking capacity. While the federal government has provided $500,000 to support First Nations-led decision-making for this project, leaders argue this does not address the broader exclusion from the development of the agreement itself.
Regional Chief Willie Moore emphasized that the government has clear legal obligations under the Constitution Act and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that require First Nations to serve as equal decision-makers. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs first raised these concerns in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Wab Kinew on December 12, 2025, warning against using provincial processes as a substitute for constitutional duties.
Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation added that the impact of these projects is felt directly by communities. He stated that respecting First Nations jurisdiction and obtaining consent is fundamental, rather than optional, when development affects their lands and way of life. This new agreement with Manitoba is the seventh of its kind signed by the federal government, following similar arrangements with other provinces.
