The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has urged the immediate withdrawal of a federal bill recognizing the self-government rights of the Red River Métis. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak expressed concerns about Bill C-21, known as the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty Act, stating that it could potentially prioritize Red River Métis self-government rights over First Nations treaty rights, creating what she described as a “hierarchy of rights.”
Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized the need for discussions between First Nations and Métis to be inclusive and not influenced by external parties, highlighting the lack of consultation with First Nations regarding the treaty agreement’s significant implications for lands and territories in Manitoba and beyond. The Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Agreement signed in 2021 acknowledged the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) as the governing body for the Red River Métis.
If enacted, Bill C-21 would replace the recognition agreement with the self-government treaty, marking the first of its kind between a Métis government and Canada. Woodhouse Nepinak criticized the undefined territorial scope outlined in the bill, expressing concerns that it could grant extensive Métis jurisdiction conflicting with existing First Nations rights and jurisdiction.
MMF President David Chartrand responded to Woodhouse Nepinak’s statement, asserting that there should be no hierarchy of rights between First Nations and Métis in Canada. Chartrand welcomed open discussions and debates on the bill, emphasizing the importance of consultation and transparency in addressing concerns and proposing amendments.
The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan also voiced support for the Manitoba Métis Federation’s progress with Bill C-21, emphasizing the rights of Métis peoples to self-governance and self-determination. However, Conservative MPs raised concerns in the House of Commons regarding ambiguity in the treaty’s definitions and scope, with calls for further consultation and clarification on potential implications beyond Manitoba.
In response, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada confirmed engaging in consultations with impacted groups but acknowledged the need for ongoing discussions. The scheduled debate on Bill C-21 remains pending, with the government yet to determine the next steps in the legislative process.