(April 21, 2025 – New York, New York, U.S.) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak will participate in the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) where she will speak to the impacts of trade and border policy on First Nations and push for greater inclusion in decisions that affect First Nations’ rights and economies.
As part of her participation, the National Chief will highlight to UN Member States, Indigenous organizations, and international partners how rising tariffs, border restrictions, and economic uncertainty are disrupting First Nations’ economies and resulting in an increase in costs for businesses and communities and threatened food security and mobility rights. National Chief will also put forward specific recommendations, including a renewed First Nations trade strategy, revitalizing traditional trade routes, and full participation in upcoming trade negotiations, including the 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and any new agreement negotiations.
“UNPFII is a chance to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples around the world and remind states of their obligations,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Our Nations have always traded across the medicine line, long before there was a colonial Canada–U.S. border or international trade agreements. As governments renegotiate global economic relationships, First Nations must be fully involved in shaping the decisions that affect our Nations, our economies, and our rights.”
During UNPFII, the National Chief will also hold meetings with international Indigenous organizations and leaders, including the Jay Treaty Border Alliance (JTBA) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to strengthen collaboration on border mobility and shared trade priorities.
The AFN will also deliver a statement to urge member states to act on their commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), including the right of First Nations to participate in economic decision-making and maintain cross-border relationships.
“There are no winners in a trade war, but our communities are among the first to feel the effects,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The right to cross the border, to trade with our kin, and to live and work freely on our lands is an inherent right that we have always held. This is a challenging time, but in challenge often lies opportunity. We have seen what’s possible when First Nations are at the table. We will continue working with Indigenous Peoples around the world to ensure those rights are respected and upheld.”
―30―
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]