MCK Criticizes Carney’s Speech, Sends Open Letter
Written by Jarrett Jacobs on 30 January 2026
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has sent an open letter to Canadian Prime Minster Mark Carney, reminding him of Indigenous peoples’ role in “guaranteeing the existence of Canada”.
During his speech in Quebec City last week, Carney said that the 1759 Battle of the Plains of Abraham- during which the British defeated the French- symbolized the beginning of a partnership between two peoples. Responding to comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, Carney also said his now famous quote: “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States, Canada thrives because we are Canadian”.
While the speech made Carney a symbol of resistance across the globe, Kahnawà:ke’s leadership was not so impressed. The MCK says the PM is glossing over history and erasing the importance of Indigenous peoples by painting Canada as a society built by the French and British.
“Canada exists primarily due to the intervention and assistance from First Nations allied with the British in their military conflicts with the Americans,” the MCK wrote.
Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo says that Carney’s words are yet another example of the government posturing without following through on its promises. “It’s time that Canada actually starts living up to what it spouts in the global political sphere, and actually starts doing the hard work back home,” said Diabo. “Not just [the] same old rhetoric that the Liberal government has been saying for the past 10 years. So, put their money where their mouth is, now”.
Diabo adds that he was particularly put off by Carney’s ‘Canada thrives because we are Canadian’ bit. “I was like, ‘that’s not the truth’. The fact of the matter is, when he’s going up there, talking about ‘oh, all these resources in Canada’ and trying to trade with the world, the resources are on First Nations territory”.
“They talk about reconciliation, but y’know- their whole goal in mind is extract, sell, and keep all the profits for themselves,” Diabo said.
The MCK has extended an invitation to Carney to meet with Kahnawà:ke leaders and discuss the ongoing issues that affect Indigenous people.
