Robinson Huron Treaty Nations issue public notice: Bill C-21 should not be used to advance similar claims in Ontario
ROBINSON HURON TREATY TERRITORY (May 5, 2026) —The Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin (RHW) Treaty Leadership support First Nations in Manitoba and the Manitoba Métis Federation as they work to resolve and reconcile their respective rights issues with the Government of Canada, which involves Bill C-21, An Act to give effect to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. At the same time, we firmly oppose any attempt by Canada to use Bill C-21 as a template to advance Métis claims in Ontario.
“Our position is grounded in the inherent and constitutionally protected rights of Anishinaabe First Nations as distinct peoples, including those affirmed under the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850. This and other Anishinaabe treaties are government-to-government agreements that predate Confederation, Section 35 and remain the foundation of our relationship with the Crown,” said member of the RHW political working group and Anishinabek Nation Lake Huron Regional Chief Scott McLeod.
This position reflects the legal principle of first in time, first in right, a foundational principle in Canadian common law, continental law in Europe, Anishinaabe law, and many legal systems around the world. This principle affirms the priority of Anishinaabe First Nations’ pre-existing rights and title in Ontario.
“We will adamantly oppose any similar legislative bill to advance Métis claims in ways that conflict with or undermine the established rights, title, and jurisdiction of Anishinaabe First Nations in Ontario,” said Lake Huron Regional Chief McLeod. “It is our position that by doing so, without the consent of the 21 First Nations whose inherent rights and jurisdictions are protected by the Treaty of 1850, is nothing short of a breach of our treaty.”
The RHW Treaty Leadership continue to stand opposed to any recognition of Métis rights in Ontario and calls upon the Governments of Canada and Ontario to be transparent in their action related to support for them. The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III to protect First Nations from fraud and abuses, and to prevent First Nations from being molested or disturbed in the possession of their territories. We call upon you to uphold this commitment that allowed for the creation of what is now Canada.
We call on the federal government to uphold the integrity of the Royal Proclamation of 1763, existing treaties, and ensure that no legislation or policies proceed that could infringe upon or dilute First Nations rights and title in Ontario, and engage in meaningful, government-to-government consultation with First Nations in Ontario before advancing any policies that could affect First Nations’ rights.
“Reconciliation must be rooted in respect, clarity, and the honour of the Crown. We remain committed to defending our inherent rights protected by treaty and ensuring they are not compromised by legislative measures that fail to recognize the inherent jurisdiction of First Nations,” said Lake Huron Regional Chief McLeod.
About Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin (RHW)
RHW works on behalf of the 21 Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations to advance collective priorities related to governance, education, and the revitalization of Anishinaabe knowledge, laws, and responsibilities. RHW’s mandate reflects the spirit and intent of the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty — to strengthen nationhood and uphold the relationship between the Anishinaabek and the Crown, grounded in respect, reciprocity, and responsibility.
Media Contact:
Jamie Monastyrski
Communications Manager
Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin
Email: jamie@waawiindamaagewin.com
Telephone: 519-200-7136