Historic First Nations–First Ministers Meeting Opens in Ottawa to Tackle Sovereignty and Economic Inclusion

First Nations leaders and federal representatives gathered in Ottawa this week for a historic series of meetings at the John G. Diefenbaker Building and the old city hall at 111 Sussex Drive. As reported by APTN News, the summit began Sunday with pipe and water ceremonies on unceded Algonquin territory to set a foundation for the formal First Nations–First Ministers Meeting on Monday, 26 October 2026. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, who led the opening gestures with red tobacco ties, characterized the gathering as a seat at the table 119 years in the making. The assembly marks the first time Canada’s First Ministers, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial premiers, have convened to focus exclusively on First Nations priorities. The agenda covered a comprehensive range of issues including Indigenous rights, jurisdiction, health, and public safety. A central focus involved economic sovereignty, with the AFN proposing a First Nations-controlled sovereign wealth fund and a National Benefits Sharing Framework. Abram Benedict, chief of the Chiefs of Ontario, noted that such a fund would allow for critical infrastructure investments. Following closed-door deliberations, Prime Minister Carney announced $260 million to connect Indigenous workers with major projects and over $2.5 billion for emergency management. The Prime Minister also outlined commitments to First Nations housing and water. While the formal table focused on economic frameworks, other leaders highlighted urgent environmental and treaty concerns. Chief Rodger Redman of Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation advocated for rights regarding uranium mining and data centres, while Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs noted the challenge of addressing such broad philosophies of survival within the meeting’s time constraints. Chief Sheldon Sunshine, representing the Treaty No. 6, 7, and 8 delegations, urged for a relationship grounded in shared responsibility. The session included a prayer from Algonquin Elder Claudette Commanda and a welcome from Algonquin Grand Chief Verna Polson. Former AFN National Chief Matthew Coon Come noted that the success of this meeting will ultimately be judged by these concrete steps and the implementation of results. Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized that the AFN is advocating for this high-level engagement to become a permanent fixture in Canadian governance rather than a one-off event, seeking recognition for First Nations as the original landowners.