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Prime Minister Carney’s government is starting off on the wrong foot.
Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation has not received any communication from the federal government regarding the proposed “One Canadian Economy” legislation. No letter, no outreach, and no information has come to our table. For legislation of this scale— legislation that directly impacts our lands, people, and future—that absence speaks volumes.
“We support responsible, timely development that respects our jurisdiction and includes us from the beginning,” said Chief Tony Alexis. “Our Nation has always worked to create opportunity and build a stronger future for our people. But we will not tolerate any process that ignores our Treaty relationship or our inherent rights.”
Treaties were entered into with ceremony, with intention, and with the understanding that both parties would honour their commitments. That includes the Crown’s legal duty to consult. This duty is not symbolic—it is a constitutional and legal requirement, grounded in our status as rights holders with inherent rights and Nation-to-Nation jurisdiction.
We also note that the regulatory systems between federal and provincial governments do not align—yet this legislation assumes they will. That creates more confusion and risk, especially for First Nations, who are already too often left out of both systems.
Chief Alexis says there is still time to take a different approach.
“The Prime Minister has an opportunity to reset this course—one that respects the Treaties, upholds our inherent rights, and builds real partnerships. First Nations are ready to lead, invest, and shape the future of this country. But no legislation of national interest can move forward without respecting our Nation-to-Nation relationship.”