Post by : Meena
Hassan
During their December annual meeting in Ottawa, chiefs from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) declared a unanimous opposition to a recently announced federal-provincial pipeline agreement involving Alberta. This deal poses a risk to the existing federal prohibition on oil tanker operations within northern B.C. waterways.
In response, AFN representatives adopted an emergency resolution that reaffirms their backing for the moratorium on tankers and called upon governments to acknowledge the climate crisis while honoring the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Chief Donald Edgars from the Old Massett Village Council described the pipeline proposal as “nothing but a pipe dream.”
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak stressed that First Nations rights are not to be overshadowed by government agreements. She underscored that the chiefs remain united in their commitment to safeguard their rights concerning significant developments on Indigenous territories.
Criticism emerged from certain leaders, including Stephen Buffalo of the Indian Resource Council, who labeled the resolution as hasty and failing to represent the full spectrum of Indigenous viewpoints, particularly those engaged in fossil fuel extraction.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the assembly, assuring his commitment to consult and respect Indigenous rights, while admitting the government’s historical failures in addressing important issues like access to clean drinking water. He revealed plans for a collaborative first ministers’ meeting with Indigenous leaders, along with upcoming clean water legislation to be enacted by spring 2026.
The meeting will proceed with discussions surrounding key projects and over three dozen policy resolutions.
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