At the annual December meeting in Ottawa, the Assembly of First Nations chiefs unanimously voted to call for the cancellation of a newly proposed pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta. They also expressed strong solidarity with First Nations along the British Columbia coast who are vehemently opposing the project.
The main topic of discussion at the gathering, attended by hundreds of First Nations leaders, was the recent federal-provincial memorandum of understanding on a bitumen pipeline intended for Asian markets. The deal includes provisions to lift the federal ban on oil tanker traffic in northern B.C. waters, prompting the AFN delegates to pass an emergency resolution supporting the existing moratorium.
Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village Council in Haida Gwaii, who introduced the resolution, emphasized that a pipeline reaching B.C.’s coast is unrealistic. The resolution also calls on Canada, Alberta, and B.C. to acknowledge the climate crisis and adhere to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, in her address, criticized the disregard for First Nations rights evident in the federal-provincial MOU. She emphasized the unity of the chiefs in asserting that Indigenous rights cannot be disregarded when approving major national projects on First Nations territories.
The AFN represents over 630 chiefs nationwide who convene biannually to establish policy priorities. However, Stephen Buffalo, the President and CEO of the Indian Resource Council, raised concerns that the resolution was rushed and lacked sufficient dialogue, especially considering the impact on First Nations involved in oil and gas activities.
Buffalo, who also serves as the board chair at the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, remains optimistic about the potential of major projects and aims for constructive dialogue and compromise. He urged for a fair representation of all Indigenous peoples’ perspectives on such critical matters.
Carney’s Statements
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the assembly, emphasizing the importance of partnering with First Nations in national development projects. While he received some applause for his commitment to upholding Indigenous rights, several chiefs challenged him on issues like clean water access, land claims, and Indigenous rights.
Chief Gary Quisess of Neskantaga First Nation expressed disappointment with Carney’s remarks, particularly regarding unresolved issues such as the prolonged boil water advisory in their community. Carney acknowledged the shortcomings in addressing these challenges and highlighted ongoing government reviews to improve past efforts.
After facing questions from chiefs, Carney assured that consultation, aligned with free, prior, and informed consent, is a prerequisite before designating projects as being in the national interest. Since the July summit, the government has referred multiple projects to the major projects office, in addition to the pipeline agreement with Alberta.
The memorandum of understanding between Canada and Alberta emphasizes Indigenous rights and engagement but does not explicitly mention consent, leading to objections from First Nations groups in B.C.
Carney committed to engaging with First Nations on the northern B.C. coast to address concerns, proposing a joint meeting with first ministers in the upcoming year. He also announced plans to introduce clean drinking water legislation by the spring of 2026.
The chiefs are set to receive presentations from the major projects office and its Indigenous advisory committee, with numerous policy resolutions and emergency resolutions slated for discussion to address pressing issues.