NationTalk – The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations opposes Bill C -15 An Act Respecting the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. They see the legislation as undermining their sovereign relationship with the government of Canada, Their treaty is with the crown and they object to Canada negotiating with the Assembly of First Nations who do not have a mandate or legal authority to negotiate on behalf of Treaty Nations.

Bill-C15 will have a negative impact on our Treaty Rights” states Grand Chief Watchmaker. Canada is unilaterally attempting to change the international nature of our relationship and place us into a domesticated realm. During a time when discussions ought to be about reconciliation, respect, and sovereignty, we’ve reverted back to the government’s old assimilation and undermining tactics.

The Treaty Peoples started to organize to appear before the Committee to voice our concerns and at that time, the hearings were stopped. This process has been flawed and continues to be flawed.