The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has called for the withdrawal of the Canada-Alberta pipeline deal, citing concerns over Indigenous rights and environmental impacts. The AFN's demand comes as a response to the federal-provincial memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a bitumen pipeline to Asian markets, which has sparked controversy among First Nations groups on the British Columbia coast. The AFN's resolution emphasizes the need to uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and address the climate emergency. This move has been met with mixed reactions, with some First Nations leaders expressing support and others criticizing the lack of dialogue and consultation. The AFN's National Chief, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, has emphasized the unity of the chiefs and their determination to protect Indigenous rights. However, Stephen Buffalo, president of the Indian Resource Council, has questioned the swift adoption of the resolution, suggesting that it may not represent the views of all Indigenous people. The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has acknowledged the importance of consultation and has announced plans to meet with First Nations on the northern B.C. coast. He also committed to hosting a joint first ministers' meeting with First Nations early in the new year and introducing clean drinking water legislation by spring 2026. The AFN's policy resolutions and emergency resolutions will be debated during their annual meeting, with the major projects office and its Indigenous advisory committee set to provide updates on Wednesday.
