At their annual December meeting in Ottawa, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) chiefs voted unanimously to oppose a new federal-provincial pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta. The deal, announced last week, would potentially lift the federal ban on oil tanker traffic in northern British Columbia waters.
AFN delegates passed an emergency resolution affirming their support for the tanker moratorium and urging the governments to recognize the climate emergency and uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Chief Donald Edgars of Old Massett Village Council called the proposed pipeline “nothing but a pipe dream.”
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized that First Nations rights cannot be overridden by government memoranda. She warned that chiefs remain united in defending their rights regarding major projects on Indigenous lands.
Some leaders, including Stephen Buffalo of the Indian Resource Council, criticized the resolution for being rushed and not fully representative of all Indigenous perspectives, particularly those involved in oil and gas development.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the chiefs, pledging consultation and respect for Indigenous rights, while acknowledging shortcomings in addressing longstanding issues such as clean drinking water. Carney also announced plans for a joint first ministers’ meeting with First Nations and legislation for clean water by spring 2026.
The assembly continues with discussions on major projects and more than three dozen policy resolutions.
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