First Nations leaders meet in Winnipeg to discuss major infrastructure projects

The countrywide push for major projects won't happen without First Nations at the table, the Assembly of First Nations warned government and industry Wednesday, as its annual summer gathering began in Winnipeg.

"We can all agree on this, that progress cannot come at the cost of our rights, our treaties or our responsibilities to the land," Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said.

“Anything that we do in this country will not be at the expense of our lands, our waters and our resources. For generations, decisions have been made without us, while the impacts fall on our nations and our families.”

The assembly is expected to focus heavily on the federal government's major projects legislation, as it's the first time all chiefs have gathered since the bill passed in June.

The law allows the federal cabinet to fast-track major projects deemed to be in the national interest.

It has seen strong opposition from some First Nations leaders and community members who fear it will infringe on their inherent treaty rights.

In her opening remarks, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak pointed to provincial bills that also seek to fast-track major projects. She praised chiefs in B.C., Quebec and Alberta for standing up for their rights and territories by pushing back against provincial governments.

"Alberta chiefs were the first earlier this year to stand up to the premier's threat to separate from Canada, as if she had land to take," Woodhouse Nepinak said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney held summits with First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders about the federal bill. First Nations chiefs left those July meetings with mixed opinions on the way forward.

Woodhouse Nepinak has said the assembly will hear a range of views this week from First Nations leaders — some of whom support the major projects push, while others are reluctant or say they lack information.

One draft resolution before the assembly calls for First Nations infrastructure ventures to be included in the national push for projects.

The assembly recently put forth a pre-budget submission to the federal government recommending $800 million over the next two years to support a First Nations review of national interest projects.

Other topics expected to come up during the three-day assembly include child welfare reform, the repatriation of artifacts from around the world, policing, the toxic drug crisis and closing the First Nations infrastructure gap.

The Assembly of First Nations said 311 chiefs and proxies registered for the meeting, with 34 of them attending virtually.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty tried to quell concerns about the federal major projects legislation in her Wednesday morning address to the assembly, saying a strong economy permits investments in social priorities like hospitals, schools and roads.

"My goal as minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, and the goal of our government, is to build resilient economies in true partnership with First Nations. Nation-building must be grounded in real equity and shared stewardship of resources, not as a lofty ideal, but as a fundamental principle," Alty said during her first address to the AFN since being elected in the spring.

"While we have made important progress, I'll be the first to say there's much more work to be done as we walk the path of reconciliation together. I look forward to continuing this work with you, guided by respect, partnership and shared purpose as we take these next important steps together."

Some chiefs have expressed concerns about potential cuts to federal funding. Carney has asked his ministers to find savings in their department budgets.

Carney was asked about cuts while speaking to reporters in Toronto on Wednesday. His response was similar to Alty's argument about shoring up the economy to ensure programs can be funded.

He said the Indigenous Advisory Council that will work with the new federal Major Projects Office will be announced next week.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is set to address the assembly Wednesday afternoon.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick