(April 15, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Yesterday, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) launched its Virtual Forum Series with federal party leaders in advance of the 45th General Election, set for April 28, 2025. The inaugural series from the AFN began with Green Party Co-Leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault in a session held yesterday with participation from First Nations Chiefs, leaders, and media across the country.
“First Nations issues must be front and centre in this election,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “That’s why we felt it was critical to launch this series, the first ever of its kind. The forums are an opportunity for our leaders to raise the issues that matter most to our Nations, and to hear directly from those who want to lead this country. They allow our leaders to ask the hard questions and assess where each party stands. The question is not just whether parties support First Nations rights but what actions they will take to uphold them.”
Each forum will feature themes drawn directly from Prosperity for All, the AFN’s federal election priorities document. It outlines priorities where First Nations are seeking commitments in areas such as economic reconciliation, Canada-U.S. trade and border mobility, the well-being of First Nations children, families and future generations, policing, community safety, among other priorities.
“Federal elections provide an opportunity to advance our shared priority of creating prosperity for all who call these lands home,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Canada’s future depends on First Nations being full and equal partners in decision-making. More than $560 billion in projects are expected to launch on our traditional lands in the next decade. Those projects will only move forward with First Nations’ free, prior, and informed consent, and if the next government is ready to commit to our priorities and work with us in full partnership.”
“We’ve heard from many of our leaders that some federal parties have yet to speak directly with First Nations. These forums help open that space, but they do not replace the responsibility to engage meaningfully with First Nations across the country,” National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak concluded. “We thank those who have committed to participate, and we will continue to call on all federal party leaders to engage directly and respectfully with First Nations leading up to the election.”
The next sessions will feature Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, on April 22 and Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democratic Party, on April 23. Registration for these forums is free and open to First Nations Chiefs, Tribal Chiefs, Grand Chiefs, Councillors, and media. To register, please visit: https://meetings.afn.ca.
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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)