(June 15, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today as the G7 Summit begins in Kananaskis, Alberta:
“On behalf of the AFN, I must recognize, and draw attention to the fact, that this year’s G7 Summit is being held in Treaty No. 7 Territory, on the ancestral territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations, Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Îyârhe Stoney Nakoda First Nation,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Global leaders will be gathering on sacred land, and honouring that truth is critical for the Summit to proceed in a good way.”
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak noted, “Prime Minister Carney has stated that one of Canada’s objectives during this Summit is to fortify the supply chain for critical minerals. A recent report from the Canadian Climate Institute points out that Canada will need $30 billion in capital investments to meet domestic critical mineral needs, and that figure is even higher to meet international demand. It is clear that Canada’s future economy will depend on these crucial resources, which are on First Nations lands. While First Nations currently are being sidelined from the discussions and decision-making and excluded from meaningful input on the One Canadian Economy Act, let me be clear: No critical mineral extraction projects will move forward without First Nations consent. As the Prime Minister prepares to have these conversations with G7 leaders, we remind him of the Crown’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.”
“The Prime Minister stated one of Canada’s objectives for the Summit is to secure partnerships of the future to build stronger infrastructure,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “As we have repeatedly said, there is no more important partnership for Canada than that between First Nations and the Crown. And building infrastructure must start with closing the First Nations infrastructure gap, which the Prime Minister himself has said would mitigate negative effects of Trumps tariffs.”
“First Nations recognize that we are in a rapidly evolving global landscape that requires agile and innovative solutions. But Canada cannot forfeit First Nations’ inherent, Treaty or human rights. We urge the government to fully and meaningfully involve First Nations at every level of decision-making affecting our lands and territories. By working together to find unified and mutually respectful solutions, we can achieve prosperity for all,” concluded 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
National Chief’s Office
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
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Genna Benson
Director of Communications
Assembly of First Nations
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604-340-3117 (mobile)