National Chief notes ‘unprecedented mention’ of free, prior and informed consent in Throne Speech

Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 9:38am
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. Photo from the AFN website. Official photo of His Majesty, King Charles III from the Government of Canada website.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak made the following statement in response to the Government of Canada’s Speech from the Throne, delivered today by King Charles III in the Senate of Canada:

“The Speech from the Throne expressed commitments to continue the work of reconciliation and mentioned the importance of protecting Indigenous peoples’ languages. The Speech from the Throne expressed the government’s commitment to respect free, prior and informed consent, a critical legal standard respecting project developments. This is an unprecedented mention in a Speech from the Throne and we look forward to seeing this implemented by Canada in decision-making, especially one delivered by King Charles III. We have a lot of work to do with this government.”

National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak also thanked King Charles III and Queen Camila for their visit to Canada. 

“Yesterday, I delivered a message that as King of Canada, His Majesty carries a responsibility to uphold the Treaties that protect our rights. We spoke about the importance of honouring commitments that have stood for generations. Progress by Canada is long overdue, including on housing, healthcare, clean water, education, policing, infrastructure, and full recognition of our rights.”

The AFN National Chief extended an invitation to Their Majesties to visit First Nations in the year ahead. “We look forward to welcoming Their Majesties back to continue these important dialogues on our shared perspectives and our shared challenges,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.