(May 27, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak welcomed Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla upon their arrival yesterday at Ottawa International Airport.
“On behalf of First Nations across the country, I was honoured to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Canada,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “I was also honoured to explain the significance of the Treaty 2 Medallion gifted to my great-great-grandfather Chief Richard Woodhouse in 1871 to commemorate the sacred obligations entered into by the British Crown and the Anishinaabe. It is a symbol of the Crown’s responsibilities under our sacred Treaties.” The National Chief added, “The King’s visit is an opportunity to highlight the nation-to-nation relationship between First Nations and the Crown. We are allies with a sacred perpetual relationship that cannot be broken. The British Crown and First Nations are foundational to the creation of Canada. We also are distinct nations bound together by peace and friendship.”
The National Chief emphasized that the Crown must ensure First Nations are directly involved in all decisions that affect our rights and territories, “As King of Canada, His Majesty carries a responsibility to uphold the Treaties that protect our rights.”
“It is essential that First Nations perspectives be heard at the highest level of the Crown. We spoke about the importance of honouring commitments that have stood for generations. Progress is long overdue, including on housing, clean water, healthcare, infrastructure, and full recognition of our rights.”
“I extended an invitation to Their Majesties to visit our Nations in the year ahead,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “I look forward to welcoming Their Majesties back to continue these important dialogues on our shared perspectives and our shared challenges.”
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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.
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