First Nations Leaders Prepare for Historic Meeting with PM Carney and Premiers in Ottawa
First Nations leaders are gathering in Ottawa for the first meeting of its kind in over two decades with Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial premiers. The Assembly of First Nations has outlined priorities including a sovereign wealth fund, treaty rights, and social issues amid rising tensions over recent federal development legislation.
First Nations leaders are preparing to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial premiers in Ottawa on Monday, marking the first gathering of its kind in more than two decades. 
Tensions between First Nations leaders and the Government of Canada have increased since Carney was elected in 2025, particularly regarding legislation passed to streamline the development of major projects. Indigenous leaders criticized the new legislation for a lack of consultation, arguing it poses a threat to reconciliation.
To prepare for the meeting, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) hosted town halls with chiefs and released position papers covering economic development, policing and public safety, employment, and health. A primary goal for First Nations leaders is the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, proposed by the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, to pool capital for long-term community wealth.
Jeff Copenance, chief of Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, expressed concern that focusing solely on economics would neglect issues like homelessness, addiction, and suicide. 
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) will bring priorities focused on treaty rights, governance, reconciliation, and economic sovereignty to the Ottawa meeting. Grand Chief Kyra Wilson stated that Treaties are agreements between Nations and demanded equal partnership and action rather than just promises.
Concerns regarding voting access were also raised ahead of the gathering. Siksika Nation reported that polling stations in their community were understaffed and they did not receive enough ballots from Elections Alberta during the recent provincial referendum.