The Chiefs Steering Committee on Technical Services is condemning the federal government for what it calls a continued failure to uphold Treaty obligations related to water and natural resource rights.In a statement issued Friday, the committee said Ottawa is pushing ahead with Bill C-5 — legislation aimed at advancing so-called "nation-building" projects — without properly consulting First Nations leaders in Alberta. Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly stated that indigenous input is essential, but committee members say he has ignored repeated invitations to meet.."The Treaties said that we, as Peoples, would live without interference. And yet, Canada has done nothing but interfere," said Chief Vernon Watchmaker, of Kehewin Cree Nation.“Treaty exists, and it cannot be ignored.”The Chiefs Steering Committee, made up of leaders from across Treaty 6, 7, and 8, argues that federal actions on legislation like Bill C-5 and Bill C-61— Canada’s proposed First Nations Clean Water Act — undermine First Nations jurisdiction and offload government responsibility.They say Ottawa’s promises around reconciliation and self-determination are not matched by action, particularly when it comes to water access..“Most of our communities still do not have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water,” said Chief Rupert Meneen, of the Tallcree Tribal Government.“That is a fundamental human right, and we demand that Canada honour its legal and moral obligations.”Chief Wilfred Hooka-Nooza, of Dene Tha' First Nation said Bill C-5 references the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) but fails to provide concrete steps for implementation.The committee is calling on the federal government to renew its.commitment to the Treaty Bilateral Table on Water and Related Infrastructure, acknowledge First Nations’ jurisdiction over water, and provide predictable and sustainable funding to address chronic infrastructure shortfalls.“The time for empty promises and incremental progress is over,” said Chief Watchmaker.“Canada is trying to step over the rights of First Nations, but our inherent right to self-determination comes from us, not from the government.”
