(July 16, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Regional Chiefs and Grand Chief Cody Diabo, Kahnawà:ke and Grand Chief Leonard Lazore, Akwesásne, with representatives from the Iroquois Caucus, today signed a renewed Protocol Agreement, the culmination of discussions and planning underway since 2006. The renewed Protocol Agreement will strengthen ongoing cooperation, communication and collaborative strategies on issues of mutual concern while fully respecting the perspectives, priorities and autonomy of the Iroquois Caucus.
“It is an honour and an important show of unity and respect to renew this Protocol Agreement that strengthens the relationship between the Assembly of First Nations and the Iroquois Caucus,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We have worked towards this signing in a spirit of trust and recognition of our respective roles. This milestone codifies our shared commitment to advancing shared priorities while respecting the autonomy and perspectives of the Iroquois Caucus. Strong relationships strengthen our collective voice and advance our shared goals. Today marks the beginning of our renewed relationship.”
“I’m glad that we can renew this protocol,” said Grand Chief Diabo. “Our communities have always spoken for and represented ourselves. At its core it’s more than just working together. It’s about showing the Federal and Provincial Governments that they need to also work with and talk with the Iroquois Caucus.”
“This renewed Protocol recognizes the importance of the Iroquois Caucus having a strong and distinct voice while working collaboratively with the Assembly of First Nations.,” said Grand Chief Lazore. “Together, we can advance shared priorities while respecting our unique governance, responsibilities, and perspectives.”
On July 15, First Nations-in-Assembly unanimously passed Draft Resolution #26, supporting the renewal of the Protocol Agreement between the Iroquois Caucus and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), paving the way for today’s signing ceremony. The Iroquois Caucus (IC) is a body comprised of elected Councils from the Haudenosaunee Nations of Akwesásne, Kahnawà:ke, Kanehsatà:ke, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (Tyendinaga), Oneida Nation of the Thames, Wahta Mohawks and Six Nations of the Grand River. Collectively the IC represents 75,000 rightsholders, and three of the most populous First Nations in Canada.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Kim Martin
Coordinator
Iroquois Caucus
[email protected]