(July 22, 2025 – Huntsville, Ontario) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today after participating in the Council of the Federation (COF) meeting, which brought together Canada’s premiers to discuss shared priorities, including infrastructure and economic reconciliation.
“Attending the COF meeting was an important opportunity to speak to Premiers directly about the role of First Nations in decision-making on major projects,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Major project development cannot happen without us. Many Chiefs are deeply concerned about legislation that has tried to shove First Nations people aside. Collaborative decision-making is essential, and that includes legislation and decision-making on all major projects. A course correction is needed to ensure a constructive nation-to-nation relationship.”
The National Chief added, “First Nations stand united against unilateralism and imperialism in all its forms. Prosperity for all Canadians means responsible, sustainable development for all. Sustainable development requires respecting First Nations rights and including us as full partners in the determination of projects in the national interest.”
“In my remarks to Premiers, I was clear that closing the First Nations infrastructure gap must be included as a national priority and as a project of ‘national interest.’ The Assembly of First Nations commissioned a report from the Conference Board of Canada that concludes that making this investment could generate $635 billion in economic benefits and create 330,000 jobs over the next seven years. These are real opportunities that will support families, strengthen local economies, and drive demand for Canadian steel, lumber, and other materials. Closing the infrastructure gap is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do.”
“I also spoke to the imperative of moving forward on First Nations policing and clean drinking water through co-developed legislation,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Our safety and security must be protected. We’re calling on all levels of government to move forward with us in the spirit of reconciliation and respect for fundamental rights.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national political and 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)
[email protected]
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]