Canada’s commitments and investments in First Nations welcomed

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said that the First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting and Day of Ceremony held over two days on unceded Algonquin Territory in Ottawa was a successful dialogue resulting in key commitments that will move First Nations and the entire country forward. 

“Over these two days, we saw Canada as its best,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We welcome the commitments and investments achieved through honest and constructive discussions, most notably the agreement to convene future First Nations-First Ministers’ Meetings and open federal/provincial tables to First Nations. Dialogue at forums like this is in the national interest. The path to progress, prosperity, and reconciliation is founded on the full recognition of our Treaty, inherent, international and constitutional rights.” 

At the conclusion of Monday’s meeting, the Prime Minister announced a series of new measures including: 

• development of new revenue-sharing mechanisms, including the potential creation of a new First Nations Sovereign Wealth Fund 
• $2.5 billion in funding over five years, and nearly $450 million in ongoing funding to better equip First Nations communities to conduct evacuations, provide emergency assistance, and rebuild homes and critical infrastructure 
• $630 million over four years, alongside $250 million in ongoing annual funding, to renew and expand First Nations Policing Program agreements 
• $140 million over four years to fund crime prevention and culturally sensitive community safety initiatives in Indigenous communities across the country 
• $260 million over four years to establish the new Partnerships for Indigenous Workforce Readiness Fund 

“We want to thank all the Chiefs for their thoughtful and passionate presentations,” said the National Chief. “Each delegation brought forward concrete objectives and pathways for nation-building. We heard firsthand the determination and creativity of First Nations working hard to make a better tomorrow for our children. All are clear that Canada cannot nation-build without First Nations at the table. We look forward to following up with Premiers and the Prime Minister over the coming year.” 

During the Monday meeting, Manitoba’s Premier tabled a proposal to examine ways to move beyond the Indian Act, which the Prime Minister accepted. “It is important to recognize that this proposal did not come from the AFN or Chiefs from our delegation,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “As we said yesterday in response, this is a question for Chiefs to decide. First Nations must be able to determine for themselves how they want to develop their own laws. Because our rights are our rights and this land is our land.”