Key Takeaways:
- The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) chiefs voted unanimously to demand the withdrawal of a new pipeline deal between Canada and Alberta.
- The deal contemplates changing the federal ban on oil tanker traffic in northern B.C. waters, which is opposed by First Nations on the British Columbia coast.
- The AFN resolution affirms support for the moratorium on oil tanker traffic and urges Canada, Alberta, and B.C. to recognize the climate emergency and uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the AFN assembly, emphasizing the importance of building in partnership with First Nations and upholding Indigenous rights.
- Carney’s comments were met with skepticism and frustration from some chiefs, who felt that their concerns were not being adequately addressed.
Introduction to the Assembly of First Nations Meeting
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) held its annual December meeting in Ottawa, where hundreds of First Nations leaders gathered to discuss key issues, including a new pipeline deal between Canada and Alberta. The deal, which was announced last week, contemplates changing the federal ban on oil tanker traffic in northern B.C. waters, a move that is strongly opposed by First Nations on the British Columbia coast. In response, the AFN chiefs voted unanimously to demand the withdrawal of the deal, citing concerns about the potential environmental and cultural impacts.
The Pipeline Deal and Indigenous Opposition
The pipeline deal has been met with significant opposition from First Nations groups in B.C., who are concerned about the potential risks to their lands, waters, and way of life. The deal commits Canada and Alberta to respecting Indigenous rights and treaty rights, but does not mention consent, which is a key principle of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The AFN resolution, which was moved by Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village Council in Haida Gwaii, affirms support for the moratorium on oil tanker traffic and urges Canada, Alberta, and B.C. to recognize the climate emergency and uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Prime Minister Carney’s Address to the AFN Assembly
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the AFN assembly, emphasizing the importance of building in partnership with First Nations and upholding Indigenous rights. Carney stated that his plan to build can only move forward with First Nations, and that the government will build in partnership by upholding Indigenous rights. However, his comments were met with skepticism and frustration from some chiefs, who felt that their concerns were not being adequately addressed. Carney was questioned by several chiefs on issues such as clean drinking water, land claims, natural resources, and Indigenous rights, and his responses were seen as inadequate by some.
Reactions to the Pipeline Deal and Carney’s Address
The reaction to the pipeline deal and Carney’s address was mixed, with some chiefs expressing frustration and disappointment. Chief Gary Quisess, chief of Neskantaga First Nation in northern Ontario, called Carney’s comments disappointing, and noted that his community has been under a boil water advisory for over 30 years. Other chiefs expressed concerns about the lack of consultation and the potential impacts of the pipeline on their lands and waters. The meeting ended awkwardly, with Chief Kelsey Jacko from Cold Lake First Nations in Alberta yelling into a dead microphone to the prime minister for more time as Carney walked off stage.
The Way Forward
The AFN assembly will continue to discuss key issues, including the pipeline deal and the government’s plans for major projects. The chiefs are scheduled to hear directly from the major projects office and its Indigenous advisory committee, and will debate over three dozen policy resolutions. The government has announced plans to introduce clean drinking water legislation by spring 2026, and Carney has committed to meeting with First Nations on the northern B.C. coast to hear their concerns. However, the outcome of these efforts remains to be seen, and the relationship between the government and First Nations remains a key challenge for the future.
