Onion Lake Cree Nation is calling on the federal government to ensure any reform or repeal of the Indian Act is led by First Nations, while also urging Ottawa to withdraw Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, over concerns about Treaty rights and consultation.
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The statements come following last week’s First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting and National Day of Action in Ottawa, where the Treaty 6 Nation raised concerns about how decisions affecting First Nations are made and who has the authority to speak on behalf of Treaty Nations.
The gathering came just days after Onion Lake issued a cease-and-desist letter to the Assembly of First Nations ahead of the Ottawa summit, part of a broader push by the Nation to control who speaks on its behalf in national negotiations.
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced federal ministers would begin working with First Nations leaders on a process that could eventually lead to significant reform or repeal of the roughly 150-year-old Indian Act.
While Onion Lake leaders acknowledge the legislation’s shortcomings, they say any discussion about its future must be directed by First Nations themselves and respect Treaty rights, self-determination and free, prior and informed consent.
“First Nations must determine their own path toward self-determination,” said Okimaw (Chief) Pete Chief, who questioned who should have the authority to make decisions about the future of the legislation.The Nation also raised concerns about potential consequences of repealing the Indian Act outright, including questions around reserve lands, membership recognition, tax exemptions and other existing protections.
Call to withdraw Bill C-39
At the same time, Onion Lake is calling for the withdrawal of Bill C-39, arguing the proposed legislation could accelerate major industrial and infrastructure projects without adequate consultation with Treaty Nations.
The Nation says it supports economic development, including the kind of partnerships reflected in a memorandum of understanding signed with Onion Lake in 2024, but believes projects must proceed in a way that respects Indigenous jurisdiction, constitutional rights and Treaty obligations.
“We recognize the importance of economic development, and we want to see opportunities that benefit our people and future generations,” Chief said. “But how we pursue that progress matters.”Onion Lake is seeking direct engagement with Treaty Nations on future economic development initiatives and says major decisions affecting First Nations should not be negotiated on their behalf by organizations not authorized to represent them.
The Nation has also filed an application for judicial review challenging the Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding related to the Pathways carbon capture and storage project, part of what it describes as a broader concern about governments advancing major development projects without adequately recognizing Treaty relationships, rights and jurisdiction.
The issue carries added significance for Onion Lake in 2026, which marks 150 years since its ancestors signed Treaty No. 6 at Fort Pitt. Leaders say they remain committed to protecting Treaty rights, lands and resources for future generations.
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