"It is time we broke through the paralysis and endless broken promises and it is time to act," said National Chief Shawn Atleo.

The Assembly of First Nations list of short-and long-term demands would lead to restoration of the nation-to-nation relationship envisioned in treaties signed between indigenous peoples and the Crown in the 18th century.

The "high-level commitments" the chiefs are seeking from Harper include:

• a new institution through the PMO or the Privy Council Office to look at the implementation and enforcement of treaties;
• designating a to bring together First Nations and provincial premiers to figure out how they can share revenues from resource development;
• a new "fiscal relationship" that would allow federal funding to increase with inflation and be based on total population living both on and off reserves;
• a public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women;
• ensuring there is a school in every aboriginal community;
• reviewing of recently passed omnibus budget bills that have to do with environmental oversight to see if the Conservative government complied with its duty to consult First Nations.

Despite opposition from many chiefs in Ontario, Manitoba, Northwest Territory and Saskatchewan chiefs, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo led a delegation of about 16 First Nations leaders to meet with the Prime Minister and several cabinet ministers on January 11, 2012.

Those opposing the meeting wanted Governor General David Johnston to appear along with the Prime Minister. Johnston agreed to meet First Nations leaders, but at his Rideau Hall residence after the working meeting. This did not satisfy many Chiefs who said they would refuse to attend the meting with the Prime Minister if the Governor General was not there. Chief Teresa Spence did not attend the meeting with the Prime Minister, but looked like she would go to the Governor General's residence.

First Nations signed their treaties with a representative of the Queen, and since this week's meetings are about modernizing those treaties, they need the Queen's representative present once again, said David Harper, grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.

"This didn't just pop up yesterday," said Manitoba's grand chief, Derek Nepinak, pointing out that Spence always asked for Johnston to be part of the process. We're not here to sign a new funding deal, or to make ... new funding arrangements. That's not what we're here for. We recognize 140 years of colonial rule in our territory, 140 years of colonial rule that has created great consequences, devastating consequences for our communities," Nepinak explained.

As a result, Manitoba First Nations are now short 17,000 homes, lack clean drinking water and have poor health outcomes, he said.