Indigenous Leaders Demand Role in Canada's US Trade Negotiations

Indigenous leaders met with Canadian provincial and territorial premiers on July 21, 2026, during the annual Council of the Federation meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The discussions focused on the necessity of including First Nations and Métis voices in negotiations for a new trade deal with the United States and major economic projects.

Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, presented resolutions opposing government efforts to expedite projects that undermine environmental protections or Indigenous rights. She noted a positive shift in the attitude of the premiers but continues to advocate for more consistent engagement.

Simultaneously, Victoria Pruden, president of the Métis National Council, called for separate meetings with Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers to specifically address the impact of U.S. tariffs on Métis businesses. While First Nations chiefs have already secured a meeting with Carney and the premiers for October 2026, the Métis National Council continues to seek a dedicated collaborative role in the trade policy process.