(March 26, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak addressed the Canadian Club Toronto today and highlighted several First Nations economic priorities.
The National Chief urged cooperation and mutual support between Canada and First Nations in the face of a volatile global landscape and called on Canada to make decisions consistent with Treaty and the inherent rights, title, and jurisdiction of First Nations.
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak mentioned First Nations’ interest in joining trade missions with Canada to develop new markets with willing partners. She noted that the European Union, Canada’s second largest trade partner, has adopted policy statements supporting its role in respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. She emphasized that First Nations must be included in inter-governmental discussions in Canada, stating, “There can be no Team Canada without First Nations.”
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak also highlighted other economic priorities, including Closing the First Nations Infrastructure Gap by 2030, investing in First Nations youth to address skills shortages in Canada’s economy, addressing issues in the federal procurement program such as identity fraud by non-Indigenous individuals, and working together to protect the shared sovereignty of First Nations and Canada.
The AFN will soon release its federal elections priorities document. The National Chief urged all federal candidates and parties to listen to First Nations and be responsive to First Nations priorities across the country, adding, “We look forward to working with the next government and the next Parliament to secure a safe and prosperous country for all,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
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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]
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]