Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney will convene a First Ministers’ meeting on Monday focused exclusively on First Nations issues, marking a historic gathering as the first of its kind in Canadian history, according to Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. The meeting, scheduled at the John G. Diefenbaker Building in Ottawa, aims to address longstanding concerns raised by Indigenous leaders and is seen as a key test of the federal government’s commitment ahead of the Nov. 5 federal budget.

Traditionally, such meetings have included representatives from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations. However, this meeting is dedicated specifically to First Nations, with a separate meeting on Inuit issues planned for later this year. The federal government sees its relationship with Indigenous communities as critical to the success of many national projects that impact those communities, especially those where Indigenous groups hold equity stakes.

Despite the government's emphasis on Indigenous involvement in economic development, the AFN has voiced criticism over recent legislation aimed at fast-tracking project approvals. Bills C-5 and C-39 have been designed to accelerate the project review process, but Indigenous leaders question whether these measures adequately protect treaty rights and consultation processes.

In anticipation of Monday’s meeting, Woodhouse Nepinak met privately with Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne to discuss funding and other priorities. She described the upcoming days as pivotal, particularly the meeting itself and the forthcoming budget, which she said represents a major test for the government’s commitment.

Several provincial premiers have indicated they will not attend, including Alberta’s Danielle Smith and Quebec’s Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, who have cited other commitments. British Columbia’s premier, David Eby, who recently lost his provincial election, is also not expected to be present. Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson, chair of the Council of the Federation, described the meeting as primarily a listening exercise aimed at fostering improved relationships among governments and Indigenous leaders.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty outlined the meeting agenda, which includes economic development, health and safety, and treaty rights. She highlighted that many First Nations are now proponents of development projects, seeking accelerated approvals to secure jobs and benefits more quickly. Gull-Masty acknowledged that the discussions involved many difficult conversations but emphasized the government’s role in fostering unity.

While parts of the meeting will be public, the AFN National Chief expressed a preference for full transparency through livestreaming, which was not granted. Meanwhile, Onion Lake Cree Nation, an independent Treaty 6 Nation not affiliated with the AFN, announced plans to hold a national day of action outside the meeting venue, issuing a “cease-and-desist notice” to the AFN and asserting it cannot negotiate on their behalf.

Woodhouse Nepinak clarified that the meeting is being organized by the Privy Council Office and not by the AFN, noting that the AFN does not represent individual First Nations in negotiations. The Prime Minister’s schedule includes hosting the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, later Monday evening.

Looking ahead, Carney has pledged to hold a separate First Ministers’ meeting on Inuit issues, tentatively planned for December. Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, expressed hope that such gatherings will become regular forums for dialogue among national Indigenous leadership, premiers, and the prime minister, reflecting the diverse contributions to Canada’s democratic framework.