Delegates at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) annual general meeting in Ottawa voiced opposition to federal initiatives aimed at fast-tracking major infrastructure and energy projects. During the second day of the three-day gathering on Wednesday, the assembly, which represents over 600 First Nations across Canada, adopted a resolution expressing serious concerns about regulatory reforms that could weaken environmental safeguards, limit oversight, reduce meaningful consultation, shorten review periods, or undermine the principle of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC).

The resolution highlights the experience of many First Nations with inadequate consultation and tight engagement deadlines, pointing to recent provincial legislative efforts in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec designed to streamline project assessments and approvals. Despite these challenges, the assembly underlined that First Nations are not inherently opposed to economic development or infrastructure initiatives. However, they stressed that any development occurring on their territories must fully respect First Nations’ rights, titles, stewardship roles, and economic interests, while adhering to the FPIC standard.

The timing of the resolution’s passage precedes a high-profile session on Thursday, in which seven federal ministers are scheduled to address the assembly. Among those confirmed to speak are Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, and Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger.

AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized that the organization is prepared to pursue legal action to protect First Nations rights if the federal government’s fast-tracking policies fail to adequately address their concerns. In an interview conducted on Tuesday, Woodhouse Nepinak stated, “Nothing is off the table, courts included,” in reference to potential responses to unresolved issues related to major projects.

Over the past year, the AFN has raised issues related to the proposed Alberta-B.C. pipeline, clean water, and potential infringements on treaty rights resulting from infrastructure development. Additionally, through a separate resolution adopted on Wednesday, delegates expressed hope that an upcoming October meeting between first ministers—including provincial premiers, territorial leaders, the Prime Minister—and the AFN will mark the beginning of an ongoing dialogue. The assembly called for the meeting to advance First Nations’ priorities and establish a framework for continued engagement.

Huy’wu’qw Shana Thomas, hereditary chief of the Lyackson First Nation in British Columbia, underscored the importance of a focused and disciplined approach to the October gathering. She urged delegates to prioritize collective benefits for all Indigenous peoples and to pursue shared decision-making, implementation of title rights, economic concerns, and moving beyond consultation toward active participation in governance on matters affecting their communities. “The opportunity that we have in front of us with this meeting means that we have to be selective in what we will have the opportunity to raise,” she said.