(April 1, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Today, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released Prosperity for All: First Nations Priorities for the 2025 Federal Election, outlining the necessary actions the next federal government must take to uphold First Nations rights, close critical gaps and advance true nation-to-nation relationships.
“At this critical time in Canada’s history, the federal election represents an important opportunity for each federal party to describe how they intend to build a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the Crown and First Nations,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Canada’s economic success and future stability depend on First Nations being full and equal partners in decision-making. Our rights are affirmed in Treaty, recognized in Canadian and international law. They must be upheld.”
“Over $560 billion of projects are forecast to be launched on our traditional lands over the next decade,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The potential benefit of these projects is in the trillions of dollars. They represent a cornerstone of Canada’s future economic growth, but they won’t advance without First Nations support.”
In addition to inherent and Treaty rights, Prosperity for All sets out key policy priorities where First Nations are seeking commitments from federal party leaders related to economic reconciliation, Canada-U.S. trade and border mobility, the well-being of First Nations children, families, and future generations, the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls.
“This election is an opportunity for federal party leaders to renew their commitment to reconciliation and demonstrate their readiness to realize the full potential of the First Nations economy in this country,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The question is not just if they support First Nations rights. The question is what actions they will take to uphold those rights.”
Prosperity for All has been shared with each federal party leader. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has invited a response and offered to explore opportunities that can facilitate direct dialogue between Chiefs and Leaders. Last week, the AFN released an analysis of 2021 federal election results that confirms First Nation voters are likely to determine the outcomes in dozens of electoral districts this month.
“With the election underway, we encourage Chiefs and First Nations across the country to engage federal leaders and local candidates to make their voices heard over the coming weeks,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
The full Prosperity For All: First Nations Priorities for the 2025 Federal Election document is available on the AFN website at https://afn.ca/prosperity-for-all/.
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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
National Chief’s Office
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Genna Benson
Director of Communications
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
604-340-3117 (mobile)