Historic First Nations-First Ministers' Meeting Set for Ottawa Amid Absences and Format Concerns
Prime Minister Mark Carney and several provincial premiers are scheduled to meet with Assembly of First Nations leaders in Ottawa on Monday for a historic gathering—the first dedicated meeting of its kind since the 2005 Kelowna Accord talks. However, skepticism surrounds the event due to the absence of key premiers from Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, as well as restrictive formats that limit community access and speaking time.
A historic First Nations-First Ministers' Meeting is scheduled for Monday in Ottawa, bringing together Prime Minister Mark Carney, several provincial premiers, and Assembly of First Nations (AFN) leaders. Depending on how a "dedicated" gathering is defined, this marks either the first such meeting in 120 years of high-level gatherings or the first since the Kelowna Accord talks of 2005.
The agenda centers on economic development, infrastructure needs, and major projects, including the Ring of Fire mineral development in Ontario's James Bay lowlands—a 5,000-square-kilometre area—as well as the Pacific Link pipeline in Alberta and land claims in British Columbia. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has described the meeting as an opportunity to "reset" relationships between First Nations and federal and provincial governments. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty called the event a first step toward a new path forward.
Despite these stated goals, the premiers of Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec are expected to be absent. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith cited the resumption of question period and the aftermath of a historic referendum on separation as reasons for her absence. Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon stated he would prioritize a different approach with Indigenous peoples and has separate meetings scheduled.
Several leaders did participate in ceremonies held on Sunday, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham, and Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson.
Organized by the Privy Council Office, the main meeting will be held behind closed doors without livestreaming to community members. Chiefs attending the main meeting room were required to surrender their cellphones to prevent recording. Additionally, each AFN region was allotted only three minutes to deliver opening remarks, raising concerns among participants about the potential for constructive discussion across Canada's more than 630 First Nations, which include over 130 in Ontario alone.
Tensions also persist regarding legislation passed by Carney's government in 2025 to create an office for streamlining major project approvals within a one-year timeline. Some chiefs have expressed concern over being excluded from early decision-making processes regarding resource extraction, fearing the accelerated timelines could infringe on Indigenous rights.
Mohawk policy analyst Russ Diabo helped organize a counter-meeting and protest, expressing distrust in the AFN's ability to act in the best interest of grassroots communities. Critics like Diabo argue that while the AFN represents chiefs, the organization does not hold rights itself and may make agreements detrimental to local communities.
While government officials view the gathering as a positive step, some chiefs and analysts view the restrictive format as disrespectful and a hindrance to transparent dialogue. Participants maintain hope for tangible progress on infrastructure, health care, and economic development despite the prevailing skepticism.