Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs – Bill 51 imposes an ultimate 30-year limitation period for a proceeding respecting existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights that are recognized and affirmed in the Constitution Act, 1982 or an equitable claim by an Aboriginal people against the Crown. It also bars any claim from proceeding under Bill 51 where the limitation period expired under former limitations period legislation. This means that for most First Nations, historical claims arising prior to the coming into force of Bill 51 have expired due to the 6-year limitation period in former legislation.
In drafting Bill 51, the Manitoba Crown failed to consult with any First Nations.