(March 9, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak issued the following statement today following the Liberal Party of Canada’s election of its new leader:
“We congratulate Mark Carney on his successful campaign to become the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. We lift up all candidates for putting their names forward to serve at this critically important time for First Nations and Canada. Our futures are deeply intertwined.
First Nations leadership will have much to discuss with the new Prime Minister and all federal party leaders as Canada approaches an imminent federal election. The AFN remains committed to advancing key First Nations priorities, including the protection and recognition of First Nations rights and sovereignty. We must be included in Team Canada. We are prepared to battle against this new era of United States colonialism and the impacts of this governance crisis south of the medicine line.
We thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his deep commitment and years of public service. His leadership in working with First Nations has resulted in unprecedented budget investments in the well-being of First Nations and the passage of several significant pieces of legislation that reaffirm our inherent rights as Nations and Peoples.
During his decade in office, Prime Minister Trudeau has done more to improve the quality of life for First Nations than any other Prime Minister in Canadian history. While many generational and rights-based challenges remain, he has been a true ally, advancing meaningful reconciliation and setting a new standard for future Prime Ministers to meet and exceed.
Applying the words once expressed by the late Justice Murray Sinclair, ‘Have we been good relatives?’ Prime Minister Trudeau has been a good relative for the next generation.”
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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]