SCO Calls on Manitoba to Uphold Constitutional and International Obligations to First Nations

Press Release

January 30, 2026

“Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding on mineral exploration and development without consulting First Nations is a fundamental failure to respect our Nations as rights holders and partners.”

– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is raising serious concerns regarding the Government of Manitoba’s failure to consult First Nations prior to entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to mineral development and critical minerals cooperation.

Manitoba entered into an MOU with British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. While the agreement speaks to cooperation on exploration and development, the Government of Manitoba did not engage or consult with First Nations rights holders in southern Manitoba before signing the MOU, despite the clear implications such agreements may have on Treaty territories, lands, resources, and inherent and Treaty rights.

“Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding on mineral exploration and development without consulting First Nations is a fundamental failure to respect our Nations as rights holders and partners,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Any agreement that contemplates mineral exploration or development on or affecting First Nations territories triggers a legal and moral obligation to consult, and where required, obtain free, prior, and informed consent.”

Chiefs of the Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations in southern Manitoba have repeatedly affirmed that unilateral decision-making related to Crown lands and mineral exploration is unacceptable. In a 2022 Chiefs-in-Summit Resolution, SCO Chiefs formally objected to Manitoba’s changes to Crown land mineral exploration permitting processes undertaken without consultation, affirming that such actions infringe upon Treaty rights and violate the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate First Nations.

That position remains unchanged.

Canada has committed, through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to uphold free, prior, and informed consent before approving projects that affect Indigenous lands and resources. First Nations are rights holders with Constitutionally protected interests under Section 35 of The Constitution Act, 1982.

SCO also notes the inconsistency between Manitoba’s actions on this MOU and its stated commitments to a new approach through the creation of the Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation (MCIC). Chiefs have endorsed the MCIC as a model intended to ensure First Nations leadership is meaningfully involved from the outset of major Crown-led economic initiatives, including potential future resource and mineral development projects.

“The province cannot on one hand promote a Crown-Indigenous partnership model, while on the other continue to sign agreements behind closed doors without First Nations at the table,” Grand Chief Daniels said. “If Manitoba is serious about reconciliation and economic partnership, consultation must come first and not after the fact.”

SCO emphasizes that First Nations are not opposed to development. Chiefs have consistently supported responsible economic activity that respects Treaty relationships, protects lands and waters, and ensures First Nations share in decision-making, benefits, and long-term stewardship.

SCO is calling on the Government of Manitoba to immediately clarify how it intends to uphold its Constitutional and international obligations to First Nations in relation to this MOU, and to commit to a rights-based, Nation-to-Nation approach that includes First Nations leadership at the earliest stages of any future agreements or initiatives affecting their territories.

“Respect for Treaties and First Nations rights is not optional,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “It is the foundation of any legitimate path forward.”

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 90,000 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

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