For Immediate Release
September 11, 2025
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg Mb – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) expresses deep disappointment in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to exclude Manitoba’s First Nations representatives from the Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) for the federal Major Projects Office.
Manitoba’s Northern First Nations and the Cree and Dene territories—regions will be directly impacted by the nation-building projects expected to be prioritized under this initiative, yet there are no voices from Manitoba’s north at the table, despite the Prime Minister expressing a promise previously to meet regionally to discuss the composition of this council.
MKO acknowledges and respects the individuals selected to serve on the IAC. Their leadership is important, and we recognize the diversity of Indigenous perspectives. However, the absence of Northern Manitoba representation is a glaring oversight, especially given the strategic significance of projects such as the revitalization of the Port of Churchill and the development of energy and transportation corridors that traverse our lands.
“Major projects like those envisioned under the Building Canada Act (Bill C-5) will have direct and lasting impacts on our communities, lands, and ways of life,” said MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “It is unacceptable that Northern Manitoba First Nations, particularly Cree and Dene Nations, have been excluded from the Advisory Council. Our people must be involved in decisions that affect our territories. This exclusion undermines the principles of reconciliation and Indigenous-led development.”
Northern First Nations bring lived experience, deep cultural knowledge, and ancestral stewardship of the lands. Their experience is essential to protecting sacred sites like the Seal River Watershed, an Indigenous Protected Area, ensuring development respects ecological balance and First Nations rights. Without their perspective decisions risk overlooking the unique values and protections these lands require.
MKO joins SCO and AMC in urging the federal government and Prime Minister Carney to immediately revisit the composition of the Indigenous Advisory Council.
We remain committed to working collaboratively toward a future where First Nations voices are heard and respected, only then can we see true economic reconciliation.
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