First Nations prepare for historic meeting with Carney and the premiers

First Nations leaders are set to convene with Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial premiers in Ottawa, marking the first such meeting in over two decades. Tensions have escalated since Carney's election in 2025, particularly due to legislation aimed at expediting major development projects. Indigenous leaders have criticized the legislation for insufficient consultation, arguing it jeopardizes reconciliation efforts.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has been gearing up for the meeting by organizing town halls with chiefs to outline their desired government actions. Position papers on economic development, policing and public safety, employment, and health have been released recently. A key objective for First Nations is the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, proposed by the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. This fund would create a pooled capital source to foster long-term wealth within Indigenous communities.

However, some leaders caution that a focus solely on economic matters may overlook pressing issues such as homelessness, addiction, and suicide. Jeff Copenance, chief of the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, warned that unless the prime minister, premiers, and territories delve deeper than resource development or economic reconciliation, their agenda may falter.

The recent referendum in Alberta highlighted the importance of First Nations inclusion in decision-making processes, with Siksika Nation expressing concerns over under-staffed polling stations and insufficient ballot distribution.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) will lead the delegation to Ottawa on Monday, emphasizing treaty rights, governance, and reconciliation. AMC President Grand Chief Kyra Wilson stressed that treaties represent agreements between nations and cannot be disregarded when they become inconvenient. She demanded action and equal partnership, rejecting promises without concrete outcomes. Manitoba First Nations leaders are voicing their priorities in advance of the Ottawa meeting scheduled for Monday.