Canada Introduces Bill For Self-Government Treaty With The Manitoba Métis Federation.

Ontario; February 2026: With the support of the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Government of the Red River Métis, the Honourable Rebecca Alty Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations have introduced the “Bill C-21”.

If passed, “Bill C-21” will give effect to the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty, which is the first Self-Government Treaty reached with a Métis Government in Canada. This federal legislation will bring the Self-Government Treaty into effect in Canadian law. The Treaty will then replace the 2021 agreement and be protected by Canada’s Constitution.

Canada recognises the Manitoba Métis Federation as an Indigenous Government under a recognition agreement signed in 2021. This Self-Government Treaty was developed in full partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation. The Treaty is a major milestone toward reconciliation and will have positive impacts for Red River Métis citizens. It will support a revitalised government-to-government relationship with the Manitoba Métis Federation as the Red River Métis continue to chart their own path to a more prosperous future.

The Self-Government Treaty has been built on this recognition, and also includes more details on key areas like how to make laws work in harmony and resolve disputes. The Self-Government Treaty formally recognises the Manitoba Métis Federation as the Government of the Red River Métis and their inherent right to govern themselves. It sets out the Manitoba Métis Federation’s powers to make Red River Métis laws about internal matters like how their leaders are selected, who their citizens are and how their government operates. Like the 2021 agreement, the Treaty does not include harvesting rights, land or land-related rights.

The focus is on governance matters that are internal to the Manitoba Métis Federation and their related laws will apply to Red River Métis citizens. This modern-day Treaty on governance will create a solid and stable foundation for working together as Treaty partners in the future to build Canada strong.

The Treaty sets out a process for negotiating other self-government arrangements with the Manitoba Métis Federation in the future. This process will include consultation with other Indigenous groups on matters that may affect them before any such future arrangements can be finalised. This is an important example of how Canada is working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, supporting government-to-government relationships, meeting constitutional obligations and advancing reconciliation.

David Chartrand, Honourable President – Manitoba Métis Federation, Government of the Red River Métis has said, “This Treaty has been 156 years in the making, and represents the cherished vision of our Ancestors and Elders, who fought so hard to preserve our existence and keep the flame of our Nationhood alive through the dark times. This legislation realises their vision, and shows that the fighting spirit of the Red River Métis, which is Canada’s negotiation partner in Confederation and the founders of Manitoba can never be dismissed when we stand for what we believe in. Through this Treaty, our ability to support the country we love in these challenging times has only been strengthened. We look forward to a renewed Nation-to-Nation relationship with the federal government, as we work together to keep Canada strong, united and free”.

At the same time, The Honourable Rebecca Alty – Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations has stated,

“This co-developed Self-Government Treaty is a strong foundation for moving forward in true partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation. We will continue to work together to find shared solutions that promote reconciliation and greater prosperity for the benefit of Red River Métis today and for future generations”.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) continues to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship between Canada and First Nations, Inuit and Métis; modernise Government of Canada structures to enable Indigenous peoples to build capacity and support their vision of self-determination and lead the Government of Canada’s work in the North.

Team Maverick.