OTTAWA - Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to address hundreds of First Nations chiefs today at the Assembly of First Nations' December meeting in Ottawa. His appearance comes amid rising tensions following a recent pipeline agreement signed with Alberta, which has drawn criticism from some First Nations leaders due to concerns over insufficient consultation and environmental risks.

"Canada is at a crossroads in its relationship with First Nations," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. "Our rights are being threatened in new ways, but we're not afraid. Far from it. First Nations across the country are stronger than ever."

The December meeting is a traditional gathering where prime ministers and their cabinets engage with First Nations leadership to discuss pressing issues and respond to chiefs' questions and concerns. Carney previously hosted chiefs in Gatineau, Quebec, to discuss controversial legislation regarding major projects.

Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized the importance of Carney arriving with concrete commitments, particularly regarding clean drinking water legislation that was abandoned when the federal election was called earlier this year.

Several key cabinet members will also address the chiefs during the three-day event. These include Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, National Defence Minister David McGuinty, and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson.

Hodgson faced backlash last week for dismissive comments regarding Coastal First Nations' concerns about the pipeline agreement. When asked about a meeting with Coastal First Nations president Marilyn Slett, who could not travel to Vancouver on short notice, he remarked, "It's called Zoom." He later apologized, calling it a "poor choice of words" and offered to meet with the First Nations at their convenience.

First Nations leaders have expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with the Carney government's approach, claiming it marks a significant shift from the previous administration led by Justin Trudeau. They argue that the government has introduced legislation affecting First Nations without proper consent or collaboration, particularly in light of economic changes prompted by U.S. trade policies.

Woodhouse Nepinak stated, "Canada can create all the MOUs, projects offices and advisory groups it wants, but chiefs will be united — and are united — when it comes to the approval of projects on First Nations lands. There will be no getting around rights-holders."

The assembly will also address various issues, including potential changes to the Indian Act, First Nations status eligibility, child welfare, and the growing infrastructure gap. The chiefs will pass resolutions that the Assembly of First Nations' executive committee will work to implement.

This report was first published on December 2, 2025.