NAN Defends Treaty and Inherent Rights, Rejects Ontario Bill 5 before Standing Committee

QUEEN’S PARK, ON:  Supported by a strong mandate from Chiefs-in-Assembly, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler defended the Treaty and Inherent rights of Treaty No. 9 and Treaty No. 5 First Nation members by rejecting unprecedented legislation that threatens to strip constitutionally protected rights and vital regulations governing resource development in our traditional territories.

In his statement to the Standing Committee, Grand Chief Fiddler explained Ontario’s process is deeply flawed and is insulting to the people of NAN, as he was given only seven minutes to address this Committee, the same as special interest groups. We are not stakeholders – we are the rights-holders. As a reminder to Ontario, our appearance today does not constitute consultation. It is an opportunity for us to educate the public and advise this government that no matter what happens with this legislation, it will not go unopposed.

“Bill 5 is a direct attack on our Nations, our people, our Treaties, and our future generations. Ontario is claiming they are fast-tracking this legislation and eliminating red tape to respond to tariffs and global economic instability. However, it is clear their goal is to fast-track development in our territories and eliminating red tape really means eliminating our rights. Our Treaty is not red tape. Our rights are not red tape. The rights of our children to a prosperous future are not red tape”, said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, who appeared before the Standing Committee on the Interior at the Ontario Legislature today. “When our ancestors entered into Treaty with the settler governments, including Ontario, it was under the assumption they would be our partners. Ontario has a constitutional duty to honour and implement our treaty and to respect our rights to govern. Ontario is our Treaty partner. It is time they start acting like it.”

Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, and the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025, effectively sees the Legislature abdicates its responsibility and delegate unlimited legislative jurisdiction to the Ford government. It permits Cabinet and the Minister responsible to designate Special Economic Zones, Trusted Proponents, and Designated Projects – all of which are undefined. It implies that ‘Trusted Proponents’ will be able to bypass normal regulatory processes and will have preferential access to development opportunities.

“We are very disappointed that Ontario is proceeding with Bill 5 without consulting the First Nations whose lands and rights are directly affected. This is in clear contradiction to the honour of the Crown and Supreme Court rulings,” said Wunnumin Lake First Nation Chief Archie Wabasse in his address to the Committee. “I am not against resource development. Our people want to work, to build, to prosper. We want to contribute to the economy. But we will not stand aside while decisions are made without us—decisions that will impact our lands, waters, animals, culture, and future generations. If Bill 5 goes forward in its current form, it sends a message that Ontario values speed and industry over reconciliation, and short-term profits over long-standing relationships.”

NAN First Nations have a mandate from the Creator to be stewards of the ancestral lands and waters of the entire NAN territorial boundaries, and the People of Nishnawbe Aski are the Indigenous Rights Holders that retain and assert our rights and interests from our own Sacred and Traditional Laws and Customs, in addition to the rights of Constitution Act, 1982 Section 35 and the oral and written promises of the James Bay Treaty No. 9 (1905-06 and 1929-30) and the Ontario portion of Treaty No. 5. NAN First Nations stand united in their resolve that responsible development cannot be achieved through unilateral declarations and imposed legislation. It must be built on a foundation of our Treaties and the free, prior and informed consent, as confirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Policies aimed at cutting red tape or expediting approvals does not override the authority of First Nations and will be firmly opposed.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca