About the Event 2026 First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting
Watch the Opening Remarks by AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Prime Minister Mark Carney at the historic First Nations-First Ministers Meeting live today at 8:45 am ET. View here
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 hosted by the Government of Canada 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 26, 2026 in Ottawa, Ontario on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation. The meeting will be held within two kilometres of downtown Ottawa. The specific location has been communicated to delegates by the Government of Canada.
The purpose of the Day of Ceremony on October 25 is to start the FNFMM in a good way, grounded in ceremony, as called for by First Nations. First Nations have directed the AFN to ensure the Prime Minister and Premiers are involved in the Day of Ceremony.
The Day of Ceremony will take place near the site of the FNFMM.
The AFN has convened meetings with Elders and Knowledge Keepers from all regions to provide guidance on the day. The current plan is for the ceremony to begin with Algonquin protocols and provide space for First Nations from across the country to bring forward their own ceremonies and songs.
The morning of October 25 will focus on First Nations ceremony, for First Nations gathered for the FNFMM. There will then be a Joint Ceremony in the afternoon with First Ministers and federal Ministers. The ceremony will conclude with a feast and the event is expected to finish late afternoon. The plan is to keep the Sacred Fire burning and the ceremony site in place throughout the FNFMM.
The AFN negotiated a Fall 2026 date to ensure Chiefs had time to discuss the FNFMM 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 that provide essential direction to the AFN. 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.
As noted, the FNFMM is not an AFN event, and it is not an Assembly. It is a high-level forum hosted by the Government of Canada with limited attendance. The AFN was allocated 44 badges that provide access to the main FNFMM meeting room. AFN Regional Chiefs worked with Chiefs in their respective regions on participation in the main meeting room, with seats allocated according to the number of First Nations in each region.
There will be no proxies or proxy process for Chiefs at the FNFMM.
In addition to First Nations representatives, the Prime Minister and Premiers will be in the main meeting room.
The reality is that the FNFMM main meeting room will only accommodate a limited number of individuals due to practical matters such as security and fire safety.
Unfortunately, a one-day meeting cannot provide formal speaking time for every Chief. The formal agenda must remain focused.
However, the AFN arranged with federal officials for viewing rooms so Chiefs and leadership onsite who are not in the main meeting room will be able to watch the proceedings.
Through the engagement process, Chiefs have identified a series of ways Chiefs and First Nations can advance priorities and have their messages heard:
The AFN has created a dedicated email address to receive comments on any areas related to the FNFMM, including AFN position papers, the FNFMM agenda, and suggestions for the National Chief’s messaging and points: [email protected]
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 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 after the FNFMM concludes to provide information on discussion and outcomes.
Goals Policy Papers
In advance of the First Nations-First Ministers Meeting (FNFMM), the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) developed five policy papers. These papers will help guide discussions after the FNFMM concludes. They are not an agenda item for the FNFMM itself, but rather a tool for identifying longstanding structural barriers.
All the priorities are interconnected. Progress in one area supports progress in others, and all require governments to work differently together.
The five policy papers are supported by mandates, AFN resolutions, Chiefs Committees, and other guidance from First Nations, and provide substantive direction for this work.
The Assembly of First Nations invites First Nations leaders, governments and interested partners to review the papers in advance of the October 26 meeting and beyond.
The five policy papers are available below for review and reference:
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.
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