The PQ’s Blue Book doesn’t have a chapter on First Nations relations. This is Kahnawake’s response

Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) Grand Chief Cody Diabo poses next to an aerial view of the territory following an interview in Kahnawake, Que., on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes)

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is demanding that the Parti Québécois (PQ) recognize Indigenous rights in its highly publicized Livre bleu.

The Blue Book outlines the party’s vision for an independent Quebec, separated from Canada, including its extensive economic, social, cultural and linguistic plans.

“Its chapter on relations with First Nations remains empty,” the MCK laments, adding that it is formally rejecting the document.

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“The future of Quebec cannot be determined as though First Nations do not exist,” argues MCK Grand Chief Cody Diabo.

“Political parties may have different positions on federalism, independence, language and the constitution, but none of them has the authority to unilaterally determine the future of our lands or diminish our rights.”

He continues: “More importantly, if Quebec wishes to pursue an independent future, they will need to figure out how to do so without any of our lands.”

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The council cites three “fundamental concerns” with the Blue Book:

• The absence of consultation with Kahnawake;
• Potential infringement of the constitutionally protected relationship between First Nations and the Crown under section 35 of the 1982 Constitution Act;
• Failure to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly on Indigenous languages and cultures.

“Ultimately, it fails to adequately recognize the constitutional, political, territorial, linguistic and cultural rights of First Nations Peoples,” the MCK states.

“Quebec’s objective of separating from Canada would not be a purely internal political matter. It would constitute a fundamental constitutional restructuring with direct consequences for First Nations rights, territories, treaties and relationships with the Crown.”

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The MCK says its rejection of the Blue Book has been sent to Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, as well as to the National Assembly of Quebec “so that all elected representatives are formally made aware of Kahnawà:ke’s position.”