(December 09, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak stated her support for the recent Federal Court decisions in St. Theresa Point First Nation, Sandy Lake First Nation class action, Shamattawa First Nation and other First Nations class action, affirming that Canada has a fiduciary duty to provide adequate housing on reserve and adequate access to safe drinking water on reserve. The National Chief also called on Canada to actively work on closing the infrastructure gap that First Nations continue to experience.
“These recent rulings mark a defining moment in the ongoing struggle for justice, dignity, and equity for First Nations,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “First Nations have lived with unsafe drinking water and overcrowded homes. It’s shameful that First Nations have to go to court to establish rights to basic services many Canadians take for granted, services that are essential to the health and well-being of our children and families. These rulings make the important point that the federal government created these problems and has a duty to resolve them.”
On Dec 5, 2025, the Federal Court released its first rulings in St. Theresa Point First Nation v His Majesty the King, affirming that Canada owes a duty to provide adequate housing on reserve. In a companion decision to St. Theresa Point First Nation, the Federal Court has also decided that Canada owes a duty to provide adequate access to safe drinking water on reserve in its decision in Shamattawa First Nation v Attorney General of Canada.
“These decisions should be another call to action for Canada to close the First Nations infrastructure gap,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “This would truly be a generational investment that would create jobs and build a stronger economy. We call on the federal government to start actively working with First Nations to address these long-standing injustices and create prosperity for all.”
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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.
Contact information:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
National Chief’s Office
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]