[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” module_class=”fw_header” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”June 16, 2026 News Release” module_class=”fw_header” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|600||on|||||” title_font_size=”46px” title_line_height=”1.3em” background_image=”https:\/\/chiefssteeringcommittee.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/pexels-lureofadventure-19013057.png” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” min_height=”200px” max_height=”1000px” custom_margin=”12px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_free_form=”.fw_header{|| || padding:125px 0 10px 0 !important;||}||” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” title_font_size_phone=”38px” title_font_size_tablet=”46px”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”32px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Treaty Chiefs in the Alberta Region Denounce Canada\u2019s Dishonorable Closed-Door Clean Water Legislation” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” title_line_height=”1.2em” animation_style=”none” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#124f77″ text_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Treaty 6, 7, 8 Territories \/ Edmonton, AB \u2014 June 16, 2026<\/span> \u2014 <\/strong>The Chiefs Steering Committee on Technical Services (CSC), working with and for First Nations in Treaty 6, 7, and 8, unequivocally condemns the Carney government\u2019s decision to advance Bill C-37, the new First Nations clean water legislation behind closed doors, without the leadership, input, or guidance of the Treaty Nations directly affected.<\/p>\n Just six months ago, federal representatives sat across from Treaty leadership and affirmed their commitment to the Treaty Bilateral Table on Water and Related Infrastructure. Despite repeated outreach, no information, draft legislation, or meaningful engagement was provided before this bill moved forward. Canada\u2019s actions make clear that its promises of good faith dealings have not been honoured.<\/p>\n \u201cThis legislation is a rinse-and-repeat of Bill C-61, legislation that failed to honour outstanding Treaty rights, territories and federal commitments to our peoples,\u201d says Chief Rupert Meneen, Tallcree Tribal Government, Treaty No. 8 Territory, and Chair of the CSC. \u201cThis legislation minimizes our Inherent rights and continues Canada\u2019s legacy of systemic harms to First Nations Peoples.\u201d<\/p>\n The Carney government\u2019s approach is a serious and dishonourable step backward. Treaty Nations will not accept being treated as consultation stakeholders rather than rights-bearing Nations whose consent is required.<\/p>\n \u201cWater is life and we will not support any legislation that infringes on our rights and risks the wellbeing of our Peoples,\u201d says Chief Sheldon Sunshine, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Treaty No. 8 Territory. \u201cCanada wants to write the rules and hand us a check that won\u2019t cover any of the real costs\u2014and congratulate themselves on a \u2018historic\u2019 bill\u2014but it\u2019s First Nations who will be left holding the bag of broken promises.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n The CSC demands:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n
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