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First Nations leaders are heading to Ottawa for a landmark summit with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s premiers. The gathering marks the first meeting of its kind in more than two decades. Leaders are arriving with a clear set of priorities and a firm expectation of meaningful action.
Tensions Rise Ahead of the Summit
Relations between First Nations leaders and the federal government have grown strained since Carney took office in 2025. A key source of tension is legislation the government passed to speed up approvals for major development projects. Several Indigenous leaders criticized the law, arguing the government failed to properly consult First Nations communities before passing it. Many warned the move threatened the broader reconciliation process.
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To prepare for Monday’s summit, the Assembly of First Nations spent months hosting town halls with chiefs across the country. Leaders used those sessions to identify the actions they want governments to commit to. Last week, the AFN released a series of position papers covering economic development, policing and public safety, employment, and health.
Sovereign Wealth Fund Among Top Priorities
One of the most prominent proposals on the table is a First Nations sovereign wealth fund. The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation put forward the idea. The fund would pool capital from multiple communities to help First Nations build long-term, sustainable wealth.
However, not all leaders are focused solely on economics. Some worry that an agenda dominated by resource development could push aside urgent social issues. Jeff Copenance, Chief of Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, voiced that concern directly. “Unless the prime minister, the premiers and the territories are going to look a little bit deeper than resource development or economic reconciliation, I worry that they’re not going to be successful with their agenda,” he said.
Alberta Referendum Highlights Ongoing Barriers
Alberta’s recent referendum also drew attention ahead of the summit. First Nations in the province reported facing “unnecessary obstacles” when trying to vote. Siksika Nation said it was pleased with the referendum’s outcome. However, the nation noted that its community polling station was understaffed and received an insufficient number of ballots from Elections Alberta.
Meanwhile, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs announced it will bring its own set of priorities to Ottawa on Monday. The AMC is focusing on treaty rights, governance, reconciliation, and economic sovereignty. Grand Chief Kyra Wilson made clear that Manitoba First Nations expect to be treated as equal partners. “Our Treaties and our alliances with the Crown are agreements between Nations,” Wilson said. “They are not historical arrangements to be set aside when they become inconvenient. We will not accept a relationship defined by promises without action. We expect governments to work with us.”
Manitoba First Nations leaders gathered Saturday to align on their priorities before traveling to Ottawa for the Monday summit. The meeting represents a significant opportunity for First Nations across Canada to press governments on issues that have long gone unresolved.
