Oneida Nation of the Thames Challenges Bill C-5

[Oscar]

MEDIA RELEASE: Oneida Nation of the Thames Challenges Bill C-5

For Immediate Release - June 27, 2025

The Oneida Nation of the Thames, a sovereign First Nation and member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, has issued a formal objection to the federal government’s Bill C-5 – An Act to Enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act.

Chief Todd Cornelius says: “If Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government enact Bill C-5 over the objections of Oneida Nation on the Thames and other First Nations, given how sweeping the violation to our rights of self- determination, jurisdiction, stewardship over and use of our homeland territories would be, the federal government should expect challenges in Canadian courts, the court of public opinion and the courts of natural justice.”

“Bill C-5 centralizes federal decision-making on megaprojects that would have sweeping effects on environmental and human rights protections, while avoiding and removing engagement with First Nations. The legislation fails to include mechanisms for shared governance, Indigenous environmental authority, or protection of sacred and ecological sites that are central to First Nation cultures, rights and ways of life.”

“Bill C-5 would be in direct violation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the Nation-to-Nation treaty obligations between the Crown and the Haudenosaunee. Bill C-5 is not just disrespectful—it is a betrayal of the living agreements that form the foundation of this country.”

The Oneida Nation of the Thames is a signatory to several binding treaties, including:

- The 1701 Nanfan Treaty, affirming hunting, fishing, and mobility rights across Southern Ontario;

- The One Dish One Spoon Treaty, affirming shared responsibility for the land and its care;

- The Silver Covenant Chain Treaty, enshrining mutual peace, respect, and renewal of the Nation-to-Nation relationship with the Crown.

Chief Todd Cornelius has called on the federal government to immediately suspend the passage of Bill C-5 and begin direct Nation-to-Nation dialogue with the Oneida Nation of the Thames and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The Nation further urges Canada to uphold its commitments to UNDRIP and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

“As First People of this land, we will not stand by while our lands, rights, and treaties are disregarded. Reconciliation requires more than rhetoric. It requires respect, consent, and accountability.”

For media inquiries, please contact:

Clara Hill
Oneida Nation of the Thames
Political Office,
519-652-6161 ext 812 clara.hill@oneida.on.ca
2210 Elm Avenue, RR 2, Southwold ON N0L 2G0

[ https://oneida.on.ca/news/re-oneida-nat ... isdiction/ ]