From what I remember for a speech from Bob Rae, the reason that all of these FN Bands are involved in the discussions is of how the treaties are written. Like it or not, that is what is in writing, and they are able to rest on those.

What is stated is that each Band who may be 'affected' is able to consult and have influence, and might be able to have power as to what takes place. Affected is defined something along the lines of, 'If where the work is taking place, anywhere downstream of that water is considered to be affected'

So, like in the case of the ROF, work in a small area now can affect something like 9 different communities, due to the watershed affect.