In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) chiefs called for the cancellation of a recent pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta. The AFN chiefs, gathered in Ottawa for their annual meeting, voiced strong support for the First Nations in British Columbia who are against the proposed pipeline project targeting Asian markets.
The agreement, which involves lifting the ban on oil tanker traffic in northern B.C. waters, was met with opposition from AFN delegates who swiftly passed an emergency resolution backing the existing moratorium. Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village Council in Haida Gwaii described the pipeline plan as unrealistic.
The resolution also emphasized the need for Canada, Alberta, and B.C. to acknowledge the climate crisis and uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak stressed the unity of the chiefs in asserting Indigenous rights in major national projects.
While the AFN represents over 630 chiefs nationwide who convene biannually to establish policy priorities, some voices like Stephen Buffalo, president of the Indian Resource Council, criticized the resolution for lack of thorough discussion.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the AFN assembly, highlighting the importance of building partnerships with Indigenous communities and upholding their rights in national projects. However, some chiefs raised concerns on issues such as clean water access, land claims, and natural resources.
Carney’s commitment to consultation and consent with Indigenous groups before designating projects in the national interest was reiterated. The evolving dialogue between the government and Indigenous communities is expected to continue, with plans for further engagements and legislative actions in the pipeline.