(January 6, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) —National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak issued the following statement in response to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Liberal Leader:
“During his decade in office, Prime Minister Trudeau has taken meaningful steps to address issues that matter to First Nations. His leadership brought attention to longstanding challenges and resulted in important progress in areas such as clean water, housing, education, and child welfare. The passing of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a milestone in aligning Canadian law with the rights and self-determination of First Nations,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “While much work remains, these actions have laid a foundation for future governments to build upon. On behalf of the AFN Executive Committee, we thank Prime Minister Trudeau for working with us on many of these critical issues.”
“Over the past few months, we have seen significant delays in progress on key issues. While Parliament has been prorogued until March 24, 2025, the Federal Government must ensure that critical issues affecting First Nations remain a priority during this period of change. We have not yet received a commitment from the Federal Government to seek a new mandate to negotiate long-term reform of First Nations Child and Family Services, which we have repeatedly sought. We also await the tabling and Royal Assent of Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act, which is urgently needed to ensure First Nations’ basic human right of access to safe drinking water is upheld and respected. This legislation has been long in the making, and we again urge that it be moved through the approval process as swiftly as possible.
We are committed to working with the next Prime Minister and federal leaders to advance these priorities, including border discussions and implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling on First Nations policing, and achieving meaningful progress for First Nations and all Canadians.”
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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:
Genna Benson
Director of Communications
Assembly of First Nations
(604) 340-3117 (mobile)
[email protected]
Cherish Francis
Deputy Chief of Staff
National Chief’s Office
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]