First Nations Chiefs Send Clear Message: Direct Control Over Major Projects, Not AFN Intervention

In a powerful display of sovereignty and self-determination, First Nations chiefs from across Canada have overwhelmingly voted against resolutions that would have empowered the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to negotiate on their behalf regarding major resource projects. The resounding message from the grassroots leadership is unambiguous: individual First Nations and their regional organizations demand direct engagement with governments and industry, asserting their inherent rights over their traditional territories.

During a pivotal moment at the AFN’s annual general assembly, chiefs pushed back firmly against any attempts to centralize power within the national organization on matters of critical economic and environmental impact.

This move underscores a deep-seated desire among Indigenous communities to exercise their nation-to-nation relationships directly, bypassing what many perceive as an overreaching or insufficiently mandated AFN.

A key resolution, put forward by Ontario chiefs, aimed to affirm that the AFN should not negotiate with the Crown or industry on specific major projects without the explicit, free, prior, and informed consent of affected First Nations.

This resolution passed with overwhelming support, reflecting a collective commitment to local autonomy. Grand Chief Joel Abram of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians articulated this sentiment precisely, stating, “We don’t want the AFN negotiating for our inherent rights. That is our right as nations.”

Another significant resolution that faced strong opposition involved the federal government’s proposed framework for implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Chiefs rejected a motion that would have supported this framework, arguing forcefully that they had not been adequately consulted on its development. This highlights a critical and ongoing tension: while First Nations embrace the principles of UNDRIP, they demand to be co-creators, not just recipients, of policies that impact their rights and futures.

Chief Sharleen Gale of the Fort Nelson First Nation emphasized the need for true nation-to-nation dialogue, saying, “We are not a special interest group. We are nations. We are inherent rights holders.”

This decisive action by First Nations leaders signals a new era of Indigenous governance where direct engagement and consent are paramount.

It reflects a growing frustration with past practices where decisions affecting their lands and livelihoods were made without their full participation. The votes serve as a potent reminder that the AFN's role is to advocate and support, not to unilaterally represent or negotiate on behalf of diverse First Nations on project-specific matters.

The assembly’s discussions also touched upon the broader context of Indigenous relations with the Crown and the private sector.

Chiefs underscored that their communities are not anti-development but demand to be partners, ensuring that projects on their territories are developed sustainably, respectfully, and with clear benefits for their people. This assertive stance is a crucial development for anyone involved in resource development, land use planning, or Indigenous affairs in Canada, signalling that future projects will require direct, meaningful engagement with the First Nations directly impacted, upholding their inherent rights and self-determination.