The chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations unanimously voted on Tuesday to request the cancellation of a new pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta. They also expressed strong support for First Nations on the British Columbia coast who are against the proposed pipeline project. This decision was made during the annual December meeting in Ottawa, where one of the main topics was the federal-provincial memorandum of understanding for a bitumen pipeline to Asian markets.
The memorandum of understanding includes a potential change to the federal ban on oil tanker traffic in northern B.C. waters. In response, the AFN delegates passed an emergency resolution endorsing the moratorium and urging Canada, Alberta, and B.C. to acknowledge the climate emergency and uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village Council in Haida Gwaii, who introduced the resolution, emphasized that a pipeline to B.C.’s coast was unrealistic. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak highlighted the need to recognize and respect First Nations’ rights in approving major national projects on Indigenous lands.
While the AFN advocates for over 630 chiefs in Canada, Stephen Buffalo, president and CEO of the Indian Resource Council, criticized the resolution for being rushed and lacking sufficient dialogue. He expressed optimism about the major projects initiative and hoped for constructive discussions and compromises.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the importance of partnering with First Nations for project development and emphasized the need for consultation before projects can be considered in the national interest. Some chiefs raised concerns about issues such as clean drinking water, land claims, and natural resources.
Carney announced plans to meet with First Nations on the northern B.C. coast and initiate clean drinking water legislation by spring 2026. He also mentioned hosting a joint first ministers’ meeting with First Nations in the near future. The chiefs are set to receive updates from the major projects office and its Indigenous advisory committee, along with deliberating on several policy resolutions and emergency resolutions addressing pressing matters.