Southern chiefs, Métis federation join forces in economic development, Indigenous rights protection

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization and Manitoba Métis Federation announced plans Wednesday to partner on infrastructure and development projects, while seeking greater roles in initiatives led by federal or provincial governments.

SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels and MMF president David Chartrand signed a memorandum of understanding at The Forks, a traditional gathering place for Indigenous Peoples, with the aim of advancing economic reconciliation and protecting Indigenous rights and the environment.

“We are forging a path toward economic independence and sustainability, ensuring the voices of First Nations and Red River Métis are integral to the design, approval and implementation of nation-building projects across this province,” Daniels told reporters.

“This agreement lays the groundwork for a future where we have the control over the resources and development on our lands, and where we benefit directly from all projects that take place within our territories.”

The five-year agreement emphasizes that project revenues would go toward housing, clean energy, transportation networks and other community infrastructure.

Daniels and Chartrand said Indigenous Peoples must not only be consulted but they must be involved in the decision-making of federal and provincial infrastructure and development projects.

The signing happened with an eye toward federal Bill C-5 (the Building Canada Act), which gives Ottawa new powers to speed up permitting for nation-building initiatives, against the backdrop of the U.S.-Canada trade war.

The Manitoba government is proposing a new Crown-Indigenous corporation to proactively assemble Indigenous leaders for reviews and approvals of economic development projects.

Sources told the Free Press earlier this week the short-term goal is to secure federal dollars for local nation-building projects.

Chartrand said SCO and MMF will work with the province on the proposed Crown-Indigenous corporation.

He said Bill C-5 will bring “massive” job and training opportunities for Indigenous Peoples.

“Bill C-5 is coming, and it has to come. There’s not a doubt it must arrive because the danger that (U.S. President Donald) Trump imposes on all of us is very scary, to be honest with you,” Chartrand said. “This is an economic war, and people should not take it lightly.”

Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney told Métis leaders that respect of Indigenous Peoples’ rights is “at the core” of the act. He has also met with First Nations and Inuit groups.

Chartrand did not attend Carney’s meeting with Métis leaders because Ottawa invited a Métis group the MMF claims has no reason to exist. The pair spoke on the phone.

Chartrand announced plans for an Indigenous-led natural resources committee that would look at harvesting practices, which are currently governed by the province.

“We would like to see freshwater fisheries be collectively owned by us, and control to be in hands of Indigenous nations,” Daniels said.

Separately, MMF and SCO have several ongoing projects in downtown Winnipeg.

SCO, which represents 32 First Nations in southern Manitoba, is involved in the redevelopment of the former Bay building and Portage Place.

Chartrand said MMF, the national government of the Red River Métis, is finalizing an agreement for two more downtown buildings.

He said MMF and SCO could partner on property development projects in the future.

“This is a message to all — the business community, the governments — that two massive groups are coming together, massive historical people are coming together, and with them they bring strengths, they bring leadership and we bring resources,” he said. “We’re not coming with our hands out, nobody is asking for money here. We’ll earn our own.”

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca