Robert Falcon Ouellette is an anthropologist from the Cree Nation Red Pheasantin Saskatchewan. He specializes in the areas of indigenous education, military ethics and political science. He holds a doctorate and two master’s degrees from Laval University. He also served in the Canadian Armed Forces and was the federal Liberal MP for Winnipeg Center from 2015 to 2019. He is now an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa.
Weakening Canadian leadership
Trump’s idea of annexation is less a real geopolitical ambition than a tactic intended to create a lever of pressure. He wants to place our Canadian leaders in difficult positions.
In the case of Pierre Poilievre, this begins to build a narrative of betrayal due to his past support of Trump’s policies. In the case of Justin Trudeau, this presents him as weak in the face of US presidential aggressiveness. The goal is to weaken Canada’s negotiating power in trade discussions by diverting attention from critical issues like tariffs, market access and environmental protection.
However, for indigenous peoples, it is not just political theater (new window). This situation raises existential questions about treaties signed with the Crown, agreements meant to last as long as the sun shines and the grass grows and the rivers flow
.
Treaties with the Crown: a legacy at stake
Treaty 11 of 1921 during celebrations of the 100th anniversary of its signing in the community of Behchoko, Northwest Territories, August 15, 2022.
Photo : - / Travis Burke
Indigenous nations entered into treaties with the British Crown, not the United States. These agreements were not simple contracts but sacred pacts, based on commitments to coexistence and mutual respect.
These treaties have been put to the test (new window) but never completely broken.
If Canada were to lose part or all of its sovereignty under economic pressure, the implications for treaty obligations would be profound. Promises from the Crown could become meaningless, eroding the trust that underpins the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples.
After centuries of sacrifice, including sending young warriors to defend the Crown (new window) in both world wars and in the Canadian Armed Forces, new broken treaties are not the solution.
Could a better deal be negotiated?
For some Indigenous people, the idea of aligning with the United States might seem tempting. Tribal sovereignty in the United States allows for greater government and economic autonomy (new window). American tribes manage their own resources, operate businesses like casinos, and negotiate directly with the federal government. In contrast, Canada’s Indian Act imposes restrictions on Indigenous governance and economic development.
An American flag with the symbol of a native horseman flies next to a jewelry display on the Navajo reservation in Arizona.
Photo : Reuters / Mike Blake
-However, the American model is far from perfect. Although tribal sovereignty has allowed some communities to thrive, many disparities remain: tribes struggle with systemic poverty and inadequate federal funding. Health care, often managed by the Indian Health Serviceremain underfunded and inaccessible for many.
Canada, despite its flaws, has made great progress in reconciliation under the leadership of Justin Trudeau. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (new window)the adoption of Bill C-92 to affirm the rights of Indigenous children (new window) and investments in indigenous languages and education represent significant progress since 2015.
As former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien once said: Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.
Canada’s strengths and weaknesses
Although Canada has made considerable progress, it is important to recognize ongoing problems. Federal government’s legal battles to deny health care to Indigenous children (new window) and systemic inequalities in education and opportunities for economic development seriously darken the picture. Indigenous communities in remote areas still lack access to clean water, adequate housing and basic health care.
Chief Chris Moonias of the Neskantaga community, which has been without clean water for decades. (Archive photo)
Photo: - / Marie-Laure Josselin
However, in areas like reconciliation and cultural preservation, Canada has outperformed the United States. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action Lay the Groundwork for Addressing Historic Wrongs, Even if Implementation is Slow (new window). Indigenous language support programs and recognition of Indigenous governance (new window) are steps in the right direction.
Education: a mixed record
The educational outcomes of indigenous peoples reflect a complex reality. In the United States, Indigenous students generally achieve higher rates of graduation and access to higher education than in Canada, thanks in part to tribal colleges and targeted federal programs.
In Canada, although educational gaps remain, since 2016 Trudeau has also notably increased funding for First Nations schools, laying the foundation for future improvements in educational outcomes. However, these results are slow to materialize.
Over the past decade, Canada has finally begun to reaffirm its commitments to Indigenous peoples by addressing systemic inequalities and accelerating reconciliation efforts. These efforts must include respecting treaty obligations, abolishing the Indian Act, improving health care and education, and integrating Indigenous voices at the center of decision-making.
I am confident that, despite Donald Trump’s annexation rhetoric, Indigenous peoples will continue to answer the call of their sacred treaty obligations, with the hope of deep dialogue and action to build a Canada better.
The sacred treaties, despite centuries of offense,
Broken many times, loaded with suffering,
Still resisting against an immense force,
Even in the face of Trump and his defiance.
