(August 25, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today in response to the Department of Justice Canada’s release of its Fourth annual progress report on
implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA).
“Today’s report is itself a call to action – for Canada to improve its efforts to work alongside First Nations to build true Nation-to-Nation partnerships so we can accelerate progress on the UN Declaration,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We appreciate the increased level of detail and transparency in this report compared to previous years, but it still reveals an ongoing lack of meaningful measures to ensure Canada’s policies, legislation, consultation processes and mandates are aligned with the spirit and intent of the Declaration. Action will be especially important as Canada is aiming to advance major infrastructure projects and build a stronger economy. Respect and real partnership will be key to progress.”
“We are concerned with the Government’s planned reduction in spending towards First Nations’ priorities, including support for First Nations to meaningfully participate in implementing the UN Declaration,” continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “AFN’s 2025 Pre-Budget Submission identifies $30 million over the next 5 years to continue the important work of implementation, including processes, mechanisms and legislation to ensure First Nations’ free, prior and informed consent.”
“After four years of slow, incremental progress in implementing the UNDA, First Nations continue to advocate for stronger commitments and decisive, transformative actions that recognize and implement First Nations’ sovereignty, nationhood, inherent rights and title and our right to free, prior and informed consent,” added BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee, AFN portfolio holder on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “The recently disappointing failure of the Canadian federal government to properly engage and consult with First Nations on the One Canadian Economy Act (Bill C-5) reveals the deeply embedded colonial practices that inform laws and policy in this country and the struggle to overcome these frameworks. Without true co-development, the recognition of free, prior and informed consent, and First Nations participation at critical decision-making tables across all levels of government, UNDA risks being another symbolic gesture incapable of addressing the historical and ongoing injustices First Nations peoples face. First Nations remain watchful and engaged, ensuring that progress on UNDA translates into meaningful and lasting change on the ground.”
“We encourage all Canadians to learn more about the UN Declaration, and we urge the federal government to meet its obligations to upholding First Nations’ inherent and Treaty rights, title, and jurisdiction as affirmed in the UN Declaration,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We will continue to press for processes that respect First Nations-driven solutions, including strengthening relationships with provinces and territories who have an obligation to uphold the Declaration. The AFN will be sharing its own progress report on Canada’s implementation of the UN Declaration, based on mandates from First Nations-in-Assembly, in the coming weeks to supplement Canada’s own reporting.”
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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
[email protected]
343-630-1372 (mobile)
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
613-292-0857 (mobile)