(March 6, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today demanding action on U.S. Tariffs impacting First Nations:
“As National Chief, I stand with First Nations across Turtle Island in strongly condemning the United States government’s imposition of tariffs,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The short-sighted actions of President Trump and statements about forcing Canada to become part of the U.S. through economic coercion are a violation of international law, which protects the right to self-determination of all First Nations.
“Our lands hold vast deposits of critical minerals, forests and freshwater supplies that sustain communities on both sides of the Medicine Line. That is why we are again calling for First Nations to be included in Team Canada discussions between First Ministers,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Excluding First Nations from these crucial conversations that impact our Treaty rights is no longer acceptable in 2025. It is not Team Canada without Treaty Rights holders at the table.”
“Canada must walk the talk of anti-colonialism by holding up the principle of equality of all peoples and the right to self-determination of First Nations. Ignoring well-established Treaty and Aboriginal rights that have been upheld by Canada’s highest courts is not a winning strategy, particularly as it relates to agreements regarding natural resources, water, and Arctic sovereignty.”
“It is time for First Ministers to unlock their doors and bring the First Peoples of this land into the conversation,” continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Let’s show President Trump you can still win by being inclusive, respecting rights, and honouring treaties. We also call on First Ministers to ensure First Nations, our businesses, and tourism operations are supported in any Buy Canada initiative or emergency assistance package being considered in response to this new era of U.S. colonialism.”
“As Canadians cancel hundreds of millions of dollars in travel plans to the U.S., we invite all citizens to reconnect with each other and explore First Nations destinations here at home instead,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Not only will this save your family money on the exchange rate and send a message to Trump, but it will also help build our nation through truth and reconciliation. In the coming weeks, we will continue meeting regularly with AFN leadership, Jay Treaty Border Alliance representatives, Canadian officials at the United Nations, federal Ministers, and Native American Tribal leaders in the U.S.”
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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:
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]