FIRST NATIONS MESSAGE AND DIRECTION FOR G7 SUMMIT: INHERENT AND TREATY RIGHTS TO ANCESTRAL AND TRADITIONAL TERRITORIES
- Jun 17, 2025
- 2 min read
(Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon, SK) – As world leaders gather for the 51st G7 Summit in Kananaskis Country from June 15-17, 2025, the FSIN Executive are sending a message and direction for the inclusion of First Nations from across the country in the decision-making processes affecting their ancestral, traditional territories, Inherent and Treaty Rights, jurisdiction and sovereignty.
The G7 Summit is taking place on ancestral and traditional territories in Kananaskis, Alberta, and First Nations across the country continue to press for meaningful participation that is directly tied to our inherent sovereignty, constitutionally protected rights under Section 35, and specific Inherent and Treaty rights spanning Treaties 1 through 11 across Turtle Island.
Topics that are vitally important must be discussed, including constitutional violations and broken treaties, such as the unlawful and illegal Natural Resources Transfer Agreements (NRTA), which violate Inherent and Treaty rights, and are incompatible with Section 35 of the Constitution. The NRTA also conflicts with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
In 1930, Canada unilaterally transferred natural resources to the three Prairie provinces without First Nations consent, and promises were made that resources would not be sold without discussion with First Nations people, but this transfer occurred without the free, prior, and informed consent of First Nations. First Nations representation is a key factor, and without it economic marginalization will continue, allowing Canada to benefit from the exploitation of natural resources. Climate change discussions at the G7 Summit cannot be meaningful without First Nation knowledge systems, knowledge keepers and participation.
“We as First Nations leaders must be at these high-level meetings as our Inherent and Treaty rights are of international law. The numbered Treaties did not surrender First Nations' title to natural resources. Rather, these agreements recognized our Inherent and Treaty Rights, jurisdiction and sovereignty of First Nations and to continue to watch over the resources, lands and waters within our ancestral and traditional territories,” said Chief Bobby Cameron. “We didn’t give up the resources, lands or waters. We maintain sovereignty over the resources, lands and waters. We are the original signatories, and we won’t stop asking for direct participation in all future international summits, and our rightful share of resource revenues and decision-making authority over our lands.”
The international community gathering at the G7 Summit has an opportunity to model true reconciliation by acknowledging First Nation Inherent and Treaty Rights, our sovereignty and jurisdiction. As discussions proceed on global economic stability, climate action, and international partnerships, the absence of First Nations from these conversations represents a fundamental failure to uphold constitutional obligations, Treaty relationships, and human rights standards.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. FSIN is committed to honouring and upholding the spirit and intent of the Treaties and advocating for the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises made more than a century ago.