Anishinabek Nation Asserts Sovereignty and Resource Stewardship at Canada Investment Summit

As the 2026 Canada Investment Summit concluded in Toronto on Tuesday, the Anishinabek Nation issued a firm call for the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty over lands and resources. Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige stated that while the Canadian government seeks to attract global capital, any development within the Great Lakes treaty territories must be preceded by the building of genuine trust. The summit, hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney, brought together international investors and Canadian business leaders with the goal of accelerating investment into the country. During his closing address, Prime Minister Carney announced that the event had secured nearly $500 billion in new investments, which he claimed would create jobs and opportunities across the nation. However, Grand Council Chief Debassige cautioned that these resources are not the government's to barter. She emphasised that the Anishinabek First Nations maintain stewardship over their territories, as they have since time immemorial. The Grand Council Chief noted that the Crown’s constitutional and treaty obligations must be fulfilled to ensure certainty for any proposed projects. She drew a historical parallel to the 1670 Royal Charter of the Hudson’s Bay Company, noting that successful commercial relationships in the region have always relied on the participation and trust of First Peoples. Support for this stance was echoed by the Anishnabe Nation of Lac Simon in Quebec regarding the proposed Kino Aski liquefied natural gas project. Chief Lucien Wabanonik stated that the project lacks free, prior, and informed consent, which is a necessary requirement for its advancement. The Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 member First Nations and approximately 70,000 citizens in Ontario, reaffirmed its readiness to work collaboratively on economic development. The organisation maintains that such progress must respect environmental integrity and advance true reconciliation through equitable partnerships.