AFN chief says next week’s gathering will set stage for major projects talks

By Canadian Press on August 28, 2025.

OTTAWA — The Assembly of First Nations’ annual general meeting next week in Winnipeg will set the stage — and the tone — for engaging with governments on major infrastructure projects.

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says politicians will be paying close attention to the resolutions chiefs pass related to the federal major projects legislation, which has seen strong opposition from some First Nations leaders and community members who fear it won’t respect their rights.

The annual general assembly that kicks off Wednesday will be the first time the AFN is handed a formal mandate to respond to governments on behalf of First Nations..

Provinces have enacted similar legislation to fast-track major projects in an effort to shore up the Canadian economy in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff regime.

One draft resolution calls for First Nations infrastructure projects to be included in the national push for major projects, while another urges amendments to the federal legislation on language around free, prior and informed consent and joint decision-making authority with First Nations governments.

Woodhouse Nepinak says the AFN has invited federal ministers to attend, including Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 28, 2025.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press