(March 14, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement today after Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister, along with his Cabinet.
“The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) congratulates Prime Minister Mark Carney as he assumes his heavy responsibilities, which include advancing a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with First Nations,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We look forward to working through federal bilateral relations, alongside provincial and territorial governments, to promote the well-being and rights of all First Nations, as protected by the Constitution of Canada and international law.
“One of our first priorities in working with Prime Minister Carney is to ensure that First Nations are included in Team Canada and in the battle against this new era of United States (U.S.) colonialism. Our sacred connection to water is another reason First Nations must be at the table in negotiations between Canada and the U.S. government. Water is life. It is not a resource or commodity to be traded or consumed; it is a gift from the Creator, flowing through the veins of this land, connecting all living beings. We are ready to work constructively with Canada to confront threats to our shared sovereignty and well-being from the current U.S. administration.”
“We also urge Prime Minister Carney to commit to long-term funding for clean drinking water, and to reaffirm his commitment to closing the infrastructure gap. Despite significant progress made under Prime Minister Trudeau, many gaps remain, including the 33 drinking water advisories still in place.”
“The AFN is ready to work with Prime Minister Carney’s government to complete this essential work,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We look to his administration to follow through on the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.”
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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
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]