The chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations unanimously decided on Tuesday to request the cancellation of a recent pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta. They expressed strong support for First Nations on the British Columbia coast who are against the proposed project. The decision was made during the annual December meeting in Ottawa, where the federal-provincial memorandum of understanding for a bitumen pipeline to Asian markets was a key topic.
The agreement involves lifting the federal ban on oil tanker traffic in northern B.C. waters, but the AFN delegates passed an emergency resolution supporting the existing moratorium. Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village Council in Haida Gwaii stated that a pipeline to B.C.’s coast is unrealistic and moved the resolution. The resolution also calls on Canada, Alberta, and B.C. to acknowledge the climate emergency and uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized the importance of respecting First Nations’ rights and criticized the federal-provincial memorandum. She emphasized that First Nations’ rights cannot be disregarded, regardless of any agreements or projects.
The AFN represents over 630 chiefs from across Canada who convene biannually to set policy priorities. While some, like Stephen Buffalo, the president and CEO of the Indian Resource Council, believed that the resolution was rushed and lacked thorough discussion, others like Chief Kelsey Jacko from Cold Lake First Nations were hopeful for constructive dialogue and compromise.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the chiefs later in the day, highlighting the government’s commitment to building partnerships with First Nations and upholding Indigenous rights. He faced questions from several chiefs on various issues, including clean drinking water, land claims, natural resources, and Indigenous rights.
Carney assured the chiefs that consultation, consistent with free, prior, and informed consent, is essential before any project can be considered in Canada’s national interest. The government has referred multiple projects to the major projects office since a previous summit in July, including the pipeline agreement with Alberta.
The pipeline deal emphasizes respecting Indigenous and treaty rights, as well as engaging in meaningful consultation, but does not explicitly mention consent. Carney pledged to work with First Nations and announced plans for a joint first ministers’ meeting with Indigenous leaders in the near future. He also committed to introducing clean drinking water legislation by spring 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 on the agenda for further discussion.
