(February 20, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today in response to impending federal budget cuts impacting First Nations, which the National Chief also addressed in a recent appearance before the Standing Committee on Finance (FINA).
“In the lead-up to the Budget in November, Canada made it clear that more needed to be done for First Nations, not less,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Unfortunately, the tabling of Budget 2025 rendered that statement a broken promise. When the best we can say is Indigenous Services are ‘only’ being cut by 2 to 3 billion dollars, we know there is a problem. Sunsetting programs are not being renewed which will negatively impact First Nations education, health, mental wellness, and much more. No matter how you look at it, less is not more. These sunsetting programs must be extended.”
“First Nations have been told to be patient,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We cannot afford to be patient. I remind the federal government of the devastating impacts of the 2% cap imposed by the federal government in the 1996 on essential government services to First Nations and which lasted 20 years. During those years, progress in closing the socio-economic gap between First Nations and the rest of Canada essentially flatlined. Let’s not go there again. We were just beginning to see a change as a result of increased investments in First Nations that began in 2016. It’s time to move forward not back. Unfortunately, these proposed cuts will be devastating to First Nations.”
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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
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