Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, the Assembly of First Nations National Chief, criticized the Carney government’s federal budget, calling it a "significant setback" for First Nations communities. Speaking at the Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa, she also condemned a recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the federal and provincial governments aimed at establishing Canada as a "global energy superpower" without obtaining the necessary consent from Indigenous leaders. "As if First Nations rights can be wiped away with one federal, provincial MOU," she stated.

Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized that the Chiefs are united in their stance on large national projects on First Nations lands. "There will not be getting around rights holders," she said. Her comments came as Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller addressed reporters before a Cabinet meeting. He acknowledged the backlash regarding the MOU, stating, "The work starts now. It should have started yesterday. We need to engage with Indigenous communities in a respectful, thoughtful way."

Miller recognized the complexity of gaining approval from Indigenous communities, noting, "Getting to ‘yes’ is a difficult and complex process, but it can’t be done from a desktop." He stressed the importance of showing a commitment to improving the lives of these communities, especially if a pipeline is approved.

Woodhouse Nepinak highlighted that First Nations are not only advocating for their environmental rights but also for the rights of all Canadians. She pointed out the threats posed by climate change and political tensions, stating, "Alberta and Quebec chiefs have been the most vocal opponents of provincial separatists, and First Nations have always stood shoulder to shoulder with Canadians against Trump’s illegal tariffs."

She criticized the 2025 federal budget for failing to rebuild trust after the swift passage of Bill C-5, which allows the federal Cabinet to expedite major projects like highways and pipelines without adequate consultation. "Sadly, the 2025 federal budget represents a significant setback," she said, noting that while some investments were made for housing, there were still significant cuts to Indigenous services.

"When the best that we can say is that Indigenous services are only being cut by $2 to $3 billion, we know that there is a problem," she added. Woodhouse Nepinak also mentioned that First Nations chiefs voted unanimously to maintain the oil tanker ban off the northern coast of British Columbia. The recent MOU suggests that if an Alberta pipeline is approved, it could lead to changes in the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, which currently restricts large oil tankers from operating in that area.

"Over $600 billion of projects are forecast to be launched on our traditional lands over the next decade," she said. "The potential benefits are in the trillions of dollars, but they won’t advance without First Nation support until an appropriate development process is established and founded in free, prior, informed consent." Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to address the Special Chiefs Assembly later today.