Canada’s indigenous leaders respond to Donald Trump

Ottawa, Mar 6 (Prensa Latina) Indigenous leaders affirmed that the sovereignty of their country is not negotiable, in response to the repeated threats of the U.S. president to turn Canada into the 51st state, the national press says today.

March 6, 2025
10:48

According to Radio Canada International, Indigenous Chief Tanya Aguilar-Antiman of the Assiniboine Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head and Lean Man First Nation considers Trump’s statements insulting and reflective of his lack of knowledge about Treaty agreements and the inherent sovereignty of First Nations.

In a lengthy statement, Indian Chief Rodger Redman of the Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation, located northeast of Regina, said hearing the U.S. tycoon’s statements caused him to reconsider the long history of indigenous resistance.

“Our ancestors fought to protect these lands. We honor them by ensuring that our sovereignty remains intact today. So when I hear talk of a 51st state, I hear not only a political speech, but also a reminder of why we stand firm, why we continue to assert our rights,” he said.

He added that while the community is open to collaboration, especially on cross-border issues, this must be done with respect.

“Our message is clear: our sovereignty is non-negotiable,” he concluded.

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