At their yearly December gathering in Ottawa, hundreds of Assembly of First Nations chiefs unanimously voted to demand the cancellation of a recent pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta. The chiefs expressed strong solidarity with First Nations on the British Columbia coast who are staunchly against the proposal.
The agreement under discussion involves a federal-provincial understanding for a bitumen pipeline to Asian markets, including the potential alteration of the federal prohibition on oil tanker traffic in northern B.C. waters. Responding to this, the AFN delegates swiftly passed an emergency resolution reinforcing their support for the existing tanker traffic moratorium.
Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village Council in Haida Gwaii, who introduced the resolution, dismissed the notion of a pipeline to B.C.’s coast as unrealistic. The resolution also calls on Canada, Alberta, and B.C. to acknowledge the climate crisis and uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized the unity among chiefs when it comes to approving significant national projects on Indigenous lands. She criticized the federal-provincial MOU, highlighting the importance of respecting Indigenous rights.
While some chiefs, like Stephen Buffalo from the Indian Resource Council, expressed optimism about major projects, others felt the resolution was rushed and lacked sufficient dialogue. Buffalo, who also serves on the board of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, hoped for constructive discussions and compromise.
During the assembly, Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated the government’s commitment to Indigenous partnership and consultation for major projects. However, some chiefs raised concerns about pressing issues such as clean drinking water, land claims, and natural resources.
The meeting concluded with Chief Kelsey Jacko from Cold Lake First Nations requesting more time to address the prime minister, underscoring ongoing tensions and frustrations within the community. Carney’s reassurances on consultation processes and Indigenous rights were met with mixed reactions from the attending chiefs.
Looking ahead, Carney pledged to engage with First Nations on the northern B.C. coast to address their concerns and indicated plans for a joint first ministers’ meeting with First Nations in the near future. Additionally, the government aims to introduce clean drinking water legislation by the spring of 2026. The chiefs are set to engage with the major projects office and its Indigenous advisory committee, with numerous policy resolutions and emergency issues on the agenda for further discussion.