Chief Pete Chief speaks in Ottawa about concerns regarding Bill C-37. (Image Credit: Onion Lake Cree Nation/ submitted)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Building Canada Strong Act

Onion Lake Cree Nation raises concerns over Bill C-39

Oct 27, 2026 | 3:05 PM

Onion Lake Cree Nation is calling on the federal government to withdraw Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, citing concerns about the protection of Treaty rights and First Nations jurisdiction.

The Nation said efforts to fast-track major industrial and infrastructure projects could come at the expense of meaningful consultation and constitutionally protected Treaty rights.

Speaking on Parliament Hill, Chief Pete Chief said Onion Lake Cree Nation recognizes the importance of investment and creating opportunities, but stressed that progress must respect the Crown’s obligations to Treaty First Nations.

“We recognize the importance of economic development, and we want to see opportunities that benefit our people and future generations,” said Chief. “But how we pursue that progress matters. Economic development and the protection of Treaty rights should go hand in hand. We cannot support legislation that risks treating our rights and our relationship with the Crown as obstacles to be overcome in the interests of faster project approvals.”

Along with withdrawing Bill C-39, the Nation is calling on Canada to engage directly with Treaty Nations on an approach to economic development that respects their jurisdiction, constitutional rights and the principle of free, prior and informed consent.

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In a news release, Onion Lake Cree Nation said its position reflects broader concerns raised during Monday’s National Day of Action in Ottawa about how decisions affecting First Nations are made, who is involved and who has the authority to speak on behalf of individual Treaty Nations.

The Nation also raised concerns following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement that federal ministers would begin working with First Nations leaders on a process that could lead to significant reform or repeal of the Indian Act.

While acknowledging longstanding shortcomings in the legislation and the need for meaningful reform, Chief said decisions of that scale must be led by First Nations, with careful consideration of the potential impacts on land, membership and existing legal protections.

Onion Lake Cree 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.

The legal challenge reflects the Nation’s broader concerns about governments advancing major development projects affecting its territory without recognizing its Treaty relationship, rights and jurisdiction.

“Our ancestors entered into Treaty with the generations ahead in mind,” said Chief. “We carry that same responsibility today. We will defend our lands and waters so our children and grandchildren can live as nehiyawak, exercise their rights and know who they are.”

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Cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

by battlefordsNOW Staff

Onion Lake Cree Nation raises concerns over Bill C-39

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