First Nations Leaders and First Ministers Convene in Ottawa for Historic Indigenous-Focused Meeting
First Nations leaders and Canada's first ministers are meeting in Ottawa for the first Indigenous-focused first ministers' conference in two decades. The Assembly of First Nations is seeking commitments on economic prosperity, policing, health, education, and annual meetings, while facing internal challenges to its mandate and a shifting provincial political landscape.
First Nations leaders and Canada's first ministers gathered in Ottawa on Monday for the first Indigenous-focused first ministers' meeting in two decades. The last such gathering took place in 2005 in Kelowna, B.C., where it resulted in the Kelowna Accord.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak stated that many chiefs view the meeting as a chance to chart a new path forward. To guide discussions, the AFN circulated papers suggesting potential commitments on building economic prosperity, policing, constitutional rights, health, and education. A draft "Declaration of a Shared Path Forward" was also circulated among First Nations, which would commit the parties to continue these meetings annually if agreed upon.
Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty stated that the federal government's priority is to listen, learn, and discuss how to move forward. Prime Minister Mark Carney did not attend a ceremony held on Sunday, sending Minister Alty in his place.
The conference takes place amid significant recent political shifts across the country, including the defeat of a separation referendum in Alberta, the election of a sovereigntist Parti Québécois government in Quebec, and a Conservative majority win in British Columbia. These developments have increased pressure on the federal government regarding the fast-tracking of major infrastructure and energy projects without First Nations involvement.
While the AFN seeks tangible results, the organization faces internal criticism challenging its legitimacy. Russ Diabo, a Mohawk Nation member and spokesperson for the Truth Before Reconciliation Network, organized a grassroots rally questioning the AFN's mandate to represent inherent and treaty-rights holders. Additionally, Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Darwin Peter Chief sent a formal cease-and-desist notice to the AFN and joined protests outside the meeting, highlighting tensions between elected chiefs and grassroots rights-holders regarding representation and consultation.
Disagreement also emerged over whether a final declaration would be released immediately following the gathering. Woodhouse Nepinak stated no declaration would be seen due to ongoing consultations, while New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt suggested an annual meeting commitment might follow if negotiations go well.