Some chiefs skeptical as minister pitches First Nations partnership on major projects

“Reconciliation is not a buzzword to use while you fast-track pipelines behind our backs. If you want to build through our territory, you face us directly as a sovereign government.”

First Nations chiefs vowed Wednesday to oppose any actions by federal and provincial governments to expedite major projects that would undermine their rights and environmental protections.

They passed two resolutions confirming that stance and committing the AFN to opposing legislation or policies that dilute their rights or undermine their decision-making processes.

Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation Chief Veronica Smith said recent federal moves to speed up major projects “have raised concerns among First Nations across Canada that efforts to expedite project approvals may undermine the meaningful implementation of free, prior and informed consent, treaty relationships, environmental stewardship responsibilities and nation-to-nation decision-making.”

The Assembly of First Nations is a national advocacy body that takes its direction from some 630 First Nations chiefs through special and annual general assemblies.

Chiefs at this week’s assembly have been debating 53 resolutions on various topics, including the state of First Nations child welfare, status rules under the Indian Act and calls for the Vatican to rescind a series of papal decrees.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Northern Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand were scheduled to address the gathering later Thursday morning.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2026.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Some chiefs skeptical as minister pitches First Nations partnership on major projects

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