Post by : Meena Ariff

During their annual meeting in Ottawa, members of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) declared their unanimous opposition to a newly proposed federal-provincial pipeline agreement between Alberta and Canada. This deal, revealed last week, could potentially lift the ban on oil tanker traffic in the northern waters of British Columbia.

Delegates at the meeting passed an emergency resolution that reaffirmed their support for the moratorium on tankers, urging the governments to acknowledge the ongoing climate crisis while upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village Council described the pipeline proposal as “a pipe dream” lacking practicality.

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak stressed that the rights of First Nations cannot be overlooked by governmental decisions. She reiterated that chiefs remain united in their commitment to defending their rights concerning significant projects on Indigenous territories.

Some voices, such as Stephen Buffalo of the Indian Resource Council, voiced concerns that the resolution felt premature and did not represent the diversity of views among Indigenous communities, especially those engaged in oil and gas sectors.

In his address to the chiefs, Prime Minister Mark Carney committed to greater consultation and respect for Indigenous rights, while admitting to previous failures in addressing critical long-standing issues like the availability of clean drinking water. Carney also shared plans for a forthcoming joint meeting with First Ministers and legislative initiatives aimed at ensuring clean water access by spring 2026.

The assembly continues to deliberate on key projects along with over three dozen policy resolutions.