Assembly of First Nations (AFN)
Federal Election Priorities
Prosperity for All

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations.

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations.

Federal elections provide an opportunity for First Nations to engage with each federal party to explore options and propose next steps for rebuilding a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the Crown and First Nations.

As in previous federal elections, the AFN has prepared Prosperity for All, a 2025 General Election Priorities document to inform federal policies and invite political parties to communicate their approach to addressing issues important to First Nations, if elected.

Guided by resolutions from Chiefs, these priorities also reflect the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice.

AFN Federal Election Priorities Document

First Nations are calling on the next federal government to take concrete action in the following areas:

  • Economic Reconciliation – A respectful economic partnership is essential to drive mutual prosperity for Canada and First Nations, which starts with making sure First Nations voices are at the table of national discussions.
  • Completing the Calls and Honouring Promises – Fulfill commitments to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the UN Declaration Act, and the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
  • Well-being of First Nations Children, Families, and Future Generations – Protect First Nations children and families by reforming Canada’s discriminatory child welfare system, investing in education, and combating the crisis of mental health and addictions.
  • Community Safety and Security – Recognize First Nations policing as an essential service through legislation, eliminating discrimination in the justice system, and ensure First Nations—who are on the frontlines of climate change—receive equal protection during natural disasters, wildfires, and severe weather events.

First Nations and all Canadians will benefit if the next federal government takes meaningful action in these areas. It should be noted that the highlighted priorities are not exhaustive of the concerns and objectives of First Nations, which are regularly communicated by First Nations directly. The AFN will continue to urge all Canadians to hold their leaders and governments accountable for taking the necessary steps to end ongoing injustices faced by First Nations and build a better future for everyone.

 

The late Justice Murray Sinclair used to ask us if we have been good in life.

What will they do to be good relatives to the next generation? What will they do to help complete the journey to reconciliation the Truth and Reconciliation Commission laid out for us ten years ago? If elected, how will they collaborate with First Nations at this unprecedented time of global turmoil and strife with our closest neighbour?

Download the AFN Federal Election Priorities Document

Resources Information and Tools for First Nations Electors

To help First Nations electors prepare for the 45th Federal Election, we are providing information on voter registration, voting options (election day, advance polls, mail-in ballots), polling station locations, voter ID requirements, vouching, candidate details, and job opportunities with Elections Canada, to ensure First Nations know where, when, and how to vote and how to access support, if they choose to participate.

Have questions? Contact [email protected]  for more information.

  • Elections Canada Website – The official site for Elections Canada, providing information on federal elections, voting processes, and updates.
  • Elections Canada – Voter Information Service – A tool to find details about your electoral district, including maps and candidate lists. During an election, it also displays advance and election day polling locations, your local Elections Canada office address, and job opportunities for poll workers.

First Nations Voters Can Decide the 2025 Federal Election Outcomes

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has examined Census 2021 data and Elections Canada results from the 2021 federal election, identifying 36 ridings where First Nations electors make up a significant portion of voters.

Read the Full Analysis

AFN Resolutions

The AFN hosts two Assemblies a year where mandates and directives for the organization are established through resolutions directed and supported by the First Nations-in-Assembly (elected Chiefs or proxies from member First Nations).

For a list of AFN Resolutions, visit AFN Resolutions Library

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Contact Us

Reach out to the Assembly of First Nations

Assembly of First Nations

50 O’Connor Street, Suite 200
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L2

Map & Directions

Tel: +1 (613) 241-6789
Toll-free: +1 (866) 869-6789

Fax: +1 (613) 241-5808

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