Indigenous Leaders Join Call for Ethical Investment at Toronto Summit Protest

In a powerful display of Indigenous leadership and advocacy, Hereditary Chief Na'Moks of the Wet’suwet’en Nation and Kakeka ThunderSky of the Poplar River First Nation stood at the forefront of a major demonstration in downtown Toronto on Monday, 14 September 2026. The two leaders joined a diverse crowd of more than 1,000 protesters gathered to voice their concerns regarding the Canada Investment Summit, an event hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney to attract $1 trillion in global investment. Speaking to CBC News, Chief Na'Moks emphasized the global responsibility of protecting natural resources, stating that while many worry about their own backyards, the Indigenous perspective views the entire planet as a front yard that must be protected collectively. He expressed deep concern that vital resources are being prepared for sale to foreign investors, potentially compromising the survival of future generations. Kakeka ThunderSky travelled from Winnipeg specifically to confront the summit’s agenda. She raised critical points regarding the fast-tracking of environmental assessments and the implementation of government policies that directly affect First Nations' lands. ThunderSky asserted that Indigenous lands and resources should not be treated as commodities for corporate profit, according to the CBC report. The assembly, organized under the banner "The Many vs. The Money," saw protesters march from Nathan Phillips Square to the Art Gallery of Ontario. The presence of Indigenous leaders highlighted the intersection of national sovereignty and environmental protection. They were joined by a broad coalition of labour unions and climate advocates who are calling for increased investment in public services, such as health care and renewable energy, rather than private industrial growth that could impact land rights and climate stability.