(October 21, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak announced today that the First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting taking place in Ottawa, Ontario will begin with a Day of Ceremony on October 25 to ensure the historic gathering begins in a good way.
“Just as the discussions in the meeting room must be grounded in the affirmation and recognition of First Nations rights and jurisdiction, the meeting itself must be grounded in First Nations ceremony and protocols,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The Day of Ceremony is an essential part of this gathering. This will be a significant and pivotal moment as representatives of the country that once tried to ban our ceremonies and eliminate our languages join us in a spirit of mutual respect, recognition and partnership.”
The Day of Ceremony precedes the formal discussions at the First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting on October 26. The National Chief and AFN have engaged with Elders and Knowledge Keepers from all regions to confirm an approach that is led by protocols of the host Algonquin Nation and involves the traditions of all First Nations that are participating. The National Chief is calling on First Nations across the country to hold their own ceremonies and gatherings.
“I encourage all First Nations to convene in ceremony on October 25 to provide spiritual strength and solidarity for all of us at the First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting and all of our people from coast to coast to coast,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Like our ancestors, we have approached this historic gathering with hope, ceremony and a renewed vision of sovereignty and self-determination for the next generations.”
Date: October 25, 2026
Time: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
Location: John G. Diefenbaker Building Grounds
111 Sussex Dr.
Ottawa, ON
Media are asked to please register in advance to confirm attendance. Register here: https://meetings.afn.ca/Meeting/Invite/Accreditedmedia
Please note that some elements of ceremony cannot be recorded or photographed. Please respect the instructions of the Elders and Knowledge Keepers and turn off audio/visual devices when asked to do so.
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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. Follow AFN on X @AFN_Updates.
Contact information:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]