A ‘reset’ or ‘one and done’? First Nations and first ministers set to hold historic meeting

The Assembly of First Nations national chief says Monday’s historic First Nations-First Ministers’ Meeting is a chance to redefine the relationship between First Nations, premiers and the prime minister, even though it will take place under a cloud of skepticism.

Not all 13 premiers are attending the one-day political conference in Ottawa. Premiers from Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec are expected to be absent.

Some First Nations chiefs say they’re concerned about how the Privy Council Office is organizing the closed-door meeting, which won’t be livestreamed to their community members.

“I’m doubtful that it will meet our expectations,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.

“It seems to me that Canada is the one that’s driving the agenda.”

But with this being the first-ever first ministers’ meeting dedicated to First Nations and their priorities since the high-level gatherings started 120 years ago, there is also hope tangible progress can be made even if the leaders attending have only a few hours together.

“A lot of our previous national chiefs and First Nations that have come before my time have always been disrespected and left out of these meetings,” Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told CBC News.

“We have to reset our relationship.”

Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, AFN national chief, left, looks on as Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at the organization’s Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa on Dec. 2, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

The Prime Minister’s Office says the goal of the meeting is to see outcomes and that the federal government will make an announcement on Monday for new community supports in First Nations.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, who was the first woman elected as grand chief of the Cree Nation Government in Quebec, said her role will be to encourage the participants to continue working together.

“This is the first step in, I think, a new relationship, path forward,” Gull-Masty said.

“We’re looking to build this relationship to advance things in Canada, and that means that everybody has to be included.”

At the very least, chiefs gathering on Monday say they’re looking for a commitment that the event will be the start of regular meetings between First Nations and first ministers.

“This is not a one-and-done meeting,” AFN Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict said.

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Tensions over inclusion in major projects

The meeting is expected to cover a wide range of issues from more than 630 First Nations across Canada, including infrastructure and health-care needs. But much of the focus will likely be on economic development and major projects.

Benedict said he wants to make sure first ministers understand that First Nations have to be involved in decisions about projects from the outset, not after work has already started — something that he said still happens too often despite commitments from governments.

“There are two different pathways through the large project development: It’s either with First Nations or without First Nations,” he said.

“One will seed a successful collaboration that brings benefit not only to our nations but to the province and to the nation in which we live in. And the other one will be met with resistance and court challenges.”

AFN Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict wants to address concerns over project development with the prime minister and premiers at Monday’s meeting. (Pierre-Paul Couture/CBC)

Fiddler, who represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, said he wants to find a resolution for chiefs shut out of discussions on the Ring of Fire — a 5,000-square-kilometre area in Ontario’s James Bay lowlands that the province and Ottawa want to see mined for critical minerals.

But he’s not sure any of those concerns can be conveyed given the way the meeting is structured.

Backlash over access casts shadow

As of Friday, First Nations chiefs told CBC News that each AFN region would be given three minutes to deliver opening remarks on Monday.

With more than 130 First Nations in Ontario alone, Fiddler said he doesn’t think the format is conducive to a constructive discussion.

Fiddler is flying from Thunder Bay, Ont., to attend the meeting, but as of Friday he didn’t know if he would be able to participate in the main meeting room or even be allowed to speak.

“I find it very disrespectful,” he said. “Their approach is unacceptable.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, who represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, says he’s concerned too many restrictions at the meeting will prevent progress. (Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada)

The AFN said there will be an observation room for chiefs who aren’t in the main meeting room. Fiddler said he was told they would have to surrender their cellphones to ensure no one records the meeting.

First ministers’ meetings are traditionally held behind closed doors, but Woodhouse Nepinak said she would prefer to see this one fully televised.

“It’s so important to Canadians. It’s so important to First Nations,” she said. “The more transparent and open we are with each other, the better.”

Gull-Masty said the meeting was planned by the Privy Council Office with the AFN. She describes it as a first conversation between first ministers and First Nations.

“I’m actually looking forward and very excited to see how this conversation is going to unfold,” she said.

“It’s going to be a defining opportunity for everybody who comes to that table.”