Canadian Prime Minister Mr. Carney pledged the introduction of new revenue-sharing mechanisms for First Nations during a first ministers’ meeting held on Monday, the first national gathering devoted exclusively to Indigenous issues. The meeting focused on strengthening the government-to-government relationship between Canada and First Nations and exploring ways to move forward collaboratively on a range of topics, including natural resource development, emergency preparedness, policing, and economic opportunities.
Mr. Carney announced plans to increase funding by billions of dollars to support emergency management, job creation, and policing within Indigenous communities. He also proposed establishing a First Nations sovereign wealth fund aimed at ensuring that Indigenous peoples directly benefit from the economic gains generated by natural resource projects. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne was tasked with working alongside First Nations to develop new models for revenue sharing.
The federal government’s engagement with First Nations is considered pivotal to the advancement of several major infrastructure and resource development projects prioritized by Ottawa. However, the meeting underscored ongoing tensions around Bill C-39, legislation intended to expedite natural resource and infrastructure projects. Several First Nations leaders voiced strong opposition, voicing concerns that accelerated timelines could undermine Indigenous rights and environmental protections.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak noted differing views within Indigenous communities regarding the potential repeal of the Indian Act, a longstanding piece of legislation governing many aspects of First Nations’ lives. Manitoba Assembly of First Nations Chief Wab Kinew urged the elimination of the Indian Act, describing it as outdated and raising concerns about the continued existence of race-based identification under Canadian law. He characterized reform as a complex, multiyear process that will require collaboration to ensure protections and supports remain in place during any transition.
Ms. Woodhouse Nepinak acknowledged that while some First Nations may support abolishing the Indian Act, others remain cautious and emphasized that decisions on this matter should be led by affected communities themselves. She also noted that although the issue was broadly recognized during the meeting, it was not part of the official agenda.
Other legislative matters discussed included a bill before the House of Commons that addresses criteria for First Nations registration and membership rights, which currently limit the transmission of status to descendants under specific conditions. Tammy Cook-Searson, Chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan, stressed the urgency of passing this legislation to protect Indigenous children’s rights.
Prominent projects referenced during the meeting included British Columbia’s Kis-Li aims LNG facility, led by the Nisga’a Nation, whose president, Eva Clayton, expressed support for the government’s accelerated development plans, citing the current political climate in Canada.
Not all premiers were present at the meeting, with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon absent due to prior commitments. British Columbia’s former Premier David Eby stepped down following a recent election, and the incoming premier-designate had yet to be sworn in.
John Jack, Chief Councillor for the Hue-ay-aht First Nations, described the meeting as productive given the limited speaking time allocated to each participant, with many exceeding their allotted minutes. He called the gathering as successful as could be expected under the circumstances, highlighting the breadth of issues addressed during the discussions.