AFN Chiefs Stand Firm Against Pipeline Agreement and Support Tanker Ban

Post by : Mina Rahman

During their annual gathering in Ottawa this December, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) chiefs unanimously expressed their opposition to a newly proposed federal-provincial pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta. This deal, which was unveiled last week, threatens to lift the federal prohibition on oil tanker activities in the northern waters of British Columbia.

The AFN delegates passed an urgent resolution affirming their stance in favor of the tanker moratorium, urging authorities to acknowledge the climate crisis and uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Chief Donald Edgars from the Old Massett Village Council described the pipeline proposal as “nothing but a pipe dream.”

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak firmly stated that First Nations rights cannot be disregarded by government documents. She cautioned that chiefs are united in their commitment to safeguard their rights concerning significant projects impacting Indigenous lands.

However, some leaders, including Stephen Buffalo of the Indian Resource Council, labeled the resolution as hastily put together and not fully representative of all Indigenous viewpoints, particularly from those engaged in oil and gas ventures.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, addressing the assembly, promised to engage in dialogue and respect Indigenous rights, recognizing past shortcomings in resolving persistent issues like access to clean drinking water. He also outlined plans for a collaborative first ministers’ meeting with First Nations and proposed legislation addressing clean water issues by spring 2026.

The assembly is set to continue discussions surrounding significant projects and over thirty policy resolutions.