About the Event 2026 First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting
In the summer of 2025, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak met with the Council of the Federation (COF) which is a yearly meeting of the Premiers of the provinces and the territories. Through strong advocacy, National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak secured a commitment from the Premiers to request that the Prime Minister hold a First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting (FNFMM) to discuss issues of national significance. During the 2025 AFN Special Chiefs Assembly, the Prime Minister announced that an FNFMM would be convened in 2026 and confirmed that First Nations would set the agenda, with the process intended to support dialogue and establish shared priorities between First Nations, the federal government, and provincial and territorial governments.
During the 2026 Annual General Assembly, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak announced that the FNFMM will take place on October 26, 2026, on unceded Algonquin Territory in Ottawa. A day of ceremony will take place on October 25.
Please note that some details are still being finalized, including the venue. The AFN is advocating for the FNFMM to be as open and inclusive as possible and that the meeting be broadcast so it can be viewed publicly. More details will be shared when available.
May 19, 2026 – First Nations Leadership
May 19, 2026 – First Nations Leadership
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has created a dedicated email address for First Nations to provide comments on any areas related to the First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting (FNFMM), including the AFN position papers, the FNFMM agenda, and suggestions for AFN messaging and points.
Please note the First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting (FNFMM) is not an AFN event, and it is not an Assembly. It is a high-level forum with limited attendance. Participation is limited to designated Chiefs as determined by Regional leadership. No registration or accreditation is available through the AFN.
The FNFMM will take place on October 25 and 26, 2026 in Ottawa on traditional Unceded Algonquin Territory. Final location details will be announced soon.
The current plan is for the ceremony gathering to take place on Sunday afternoon. The detailed program, timing and location are still being developed and will be shared once confirmed.
The AFN negotiated a fall 2026 date to ensure Chiefs had time to discuss the FMM at a variety of regional, national and virtual venues, particularly July’s AFN Annual General Assembly.
Significant time was dedicated for Chiefs to develop, debate and approve resolutions, which they did. The mandates have guided the AFN’s work since July.
The National Chief and AFN representatives have attended numerous regional gatherings to provide information on the FNFMM and dialogue with First Nations. The AFN Regional Chiefs meet regularly to discuss planning and progress.
The planning process included a series of engagements with First Nations leadership and technicians to inform the agenda, drawing on lessons from past processes and identifying priority issues for collective action.
AFN Regional Chiefs are working with leadership in their respective regions on participation in the main meeting room, with seats allocated according to the number of First Nations in each region. These arrangements will be finalized over the coming weeks and communicated to Chiefs.
Participant lists and seating assignments are still being confirmed. These will be finalized soon with federal and provincial representatives and communicated in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office.
AFN is working with Regional Chiefs, federal and provincial officials to finalize event and security details. These will be finalized soon with federal and provincial representatives and communicated in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office.
Unfortunately, a one-day meeting cannot provide formal speaking time for every Chief. The formal agenda must remain focused.
However, to make sure as many Chiefs as possible can be present, the AFN is working with Regional Chiefs, federal and provincial officials to finalize event and security details. These will be finalized over the coming weeks with federal and provincial representatives and communicated in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office.
Through the consultation process, Chiefs have identified a series of ways Chiefs and First Nations can advance priorities and have their messages heard:
Regional events and gatherings
Providing points to Regional Chiefs
Written submissions, letters and policy papers can be compiled and shared with First Ministers.
Informal engagement may be possible during the October 25 and 26 gatherings, including breaks and lunch.
Space may be available for bilateral or regional discussions, subject to final logistical arrangements.
Chiefs will also be free to communicate publicly and engage with media attending the gathering.
You can learn more by visiting the AFN website at www.afn.ca. Summary reports on First Nation engagements have been posted and background and supporting documents are available. More information will be posted and updated as it becomes available.
Documents First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting 2026 Documents
These are the latest documents for this event. Please check back here after the event for additional documents, or visit the Document Library for more.
The Assembly of First Nations is committed to making all our digital sites and products accessible for people living with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone while applying relevant accessibility standards: we strive to meet or exceed the W3C’s WCAG 2.1 Level AA for all our digital offerings.