First Nations Chiefs Oppose Federal Water and Project Bills

Hundreds of First Nations chiefs convened in Ottawa for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) annual general assembly to debate 53 resolutions covering child welfare, Indian Act status, and papal decrees. Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, the National Chief of the AFN, confirmed a high-stakes meeting scheduled for October between First Nations leaders, provincial premiers, and Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss reconciling economic growth with Indigenous rights.

During the gathering, the assembly passed a consensus resolution demanding the explicit inclusion of the right to clean drinking water in the First Nations Clean Water Act. The bill, reintroduced by Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, faced criticism from AFN leaders and opposition MPs for replacing a guaranteed right with a commitment to progressive realization. Additionally, chiefs passed two resolutions opposing federal and provincial efforts to fast-track major infrastructure projects, arguing that expedited approvals threaten environmental stewardship and the principle of free, prior, and informed consent.

Regional leaders emphasized a shift toward economic self-sufficiency and ownership stakes in major projects to reduce dependence on government funding. The assembly concluded with federal ministers, including Mandy Gull-Masty and Dominic LeBlanc, addressing the chiefs on public safety and natural resources. Woodhouse Nepinak described the upcoming October summit as a big test for Canada and announced her intention to seek re-election as national chief next year.