For Immediate Release: August 20, 2026 – OHSWEKEN, ON – Six Nations of the Grand River 59th Elected Council has heard the concerns raised by community members about the Boundary Lands Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the City of Brantford on August 18, 2026. We understand the community has questions, and this press release is intended to provide clarification.
First Nations in Ontario have no legal way to benefit from development on lands that were once home to First Nations people.
Until nine years ago, Municipalities in Ontario were able to charge and collect development fees that could be passed onto First Nations in recognition of their historical land interests and inherent rights.
Ontario changed this legislation, disregarding First Nations’ rights to benefit from development on Treaty lands that were never signed away, surrendered or given up by First Nations; permitting everyone else to benefit from development, except First Nations.
In fact, Ontario announced just days ago that they are rewarding Municipalities who do not charge development fees—limiting even further, any possible legal way for First Nations to see benefit from development on our lands.
For three years, Six Nations and Brantford have “asked permission” from Ontario to do something different—to be creative and innovative—so that both of our communities can prosper. Our efforts were ignored.
On August 18, 2026, at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa, Six Nations and Brantford announced through a Memorandum of Understanding, that we will continue to advocate to Ontario to make the necessary legislative changes to right their wrongs.
The announcement received much support from Municipalities throughout Ontario.
The MOU is the beginning steps toward future collaboration and discussions that aims to see Six Nations benefit through a Community Prosperity Fund.
Nothing in this MOU will or is intended to take away from the Treaty, constitutional, or inherent rights of Six Nations of the Grand River.
Backgrounder and Clarification
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) represents a shared path forward between two parties that outlines a shared understanding. The MOU does not sell, surrender, or transfer any Six Nations lands, rights, or interests. The MOU is not a final agreement about the Boundary Lands. For additional context, please refer to the Boundary Land map below.
The MOU is a starting point. It puts in writing that Six Nations and the City of Brantford intend to continue discussions and identify matters that need to be worked through.
Before any formal agreement is signed, community consultation will occur.
No rights have been surrendered.
No final decision has been made.
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Media Contact Information: SIX NATIONS OF THE GRAND RIVER 59TH ELECTED COUNCIL CLARIFIES BOUNDARY LANDS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CITY OF BRANTFORD
Chasity VanEvery, Director of Communications, p: (519) 751-6148 1695 Chiefswood Road, P.O. Box 5000, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
