AFN's Woodhouse Nepinak Sets First Nations Priorities Ahead of Parliament's Return

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations set out the organization's priorities for the fall sitting of Parliament in remarks delivered Sept. 17, 2026, in Treaty 2 Territory at Brandon, Manitoba, four days before the House of Commons resumes on Monday, Sept. 21.

The AFN is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international concern, according to the organization.

The world is changing rapidly, and the coming months will bring important decisions for Canada, and for First Nations. Threats from the United States of America to our shared economic well-being and shared sovereignty are not to be understated, and we must do more than simply manage risk.National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations

The National Chief said the AFN will bring forward First Nations priorities to inform and shape national priorities as Parliament resumes, and that the partnership must be built on mutual respect and rights implementation, consistent with Treaty, with the Constitution and with international law.

The AFN's stated position is that Parliament's agenda, along with the federal budget and Cabinet decision-making, must reflect First Nations priorities and respect constitutional, Treaty and international law imperatives.

The organization listed the matters on which it will bring forward positions: sustainable economic development, major projects regulation, energy policy and environmental protection, along with legislation to support First Nations policing services and First Nations inherent jurisdiction; legislation recognizing Indian Residential School denialism as a hate crime; repeal of the Indian Act's second-generation cut-off rule and respect for First Nations inherent authority over citizenship; amendments to the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act; amendments to the Cannabis Act to align with First Nations priorities; prioritizing First Nations in the federal budget; and action to honour all outstanding Treaty obligations.

On the First Ministers front, the National Chief said that in December 2025 Prime Minister Carney agreed to the AFN's request for a First Nations-First Ministers' Meeting and invited First Nations to set the agenda. That meeting is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026, in Ottawa.

She also said that in response to requests from Chiefs across Canada, the Prime Minister has invited First Ministers to participate in a special day of ceremony in Ottawa the day before the First Nations-First Ministers' Meeting.

First Nations leadership will approach this historic gathering with ceremony and a commitment to building constructive relationships as we have always done.National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations

The AFN is hosting a national virtual meeting with Chiefs on Sept. 23 to update planning for Oct. 25 and 26.

First Nations are eager to be partners in economic growth, but we will not forfeit our rights, our inherent jurisdiction and title, nor our obligations to our people and the lands and waters. This fall, in Parliament and at the First Ministers Meeting, our message will be simple and practical: Our rights are our rights. And this land is our land.National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Assembly of First Nations

The National Chief is available for interviews on these topics, the AFN said, with requests directed to press secretary Cherish Francis.