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OTTAWA – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is urging the federal government to pair its proposed legislation aimed at fast-tracking major projects with a concrete plan for infrastructure development within First Nations reserves. The call comes as the government moves forward with a bill intended to streamline the approval process for projects like pipelines and resource extraction, sparking concerns about the potential impact on Indigenous communities and their lands.

“While we recognize the desire to accelerate economic growth and development, it cannot come at the expense of First Nations’ rights, self-determination, and well-being,” stated National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Fast-tracking projects without addressing the chronic infrastructure deficit in First Nations communities is simply unacceptable. It creates a two-tiered system where development proceeds for everyone else, while First Nations continue to struggle with inadequate housing, clean water, reliable internet access, and other essential services.”

The existing infrastructure gap in First Nations communities across Canada is a long-standing issue, often stemming from decades of underfunding and systemic neglect. Many reserves lack basic amenities that most Canadians take for granted. The AFN argues that any legislation that impacts First Nations lands and resources must include a dedicated and adequately funded plan to address these infrastructure needs.

Key Concerns and Demands:

• Comprehensive Infrastructure Plan: The AFN is calling for a comprehensive, nation-to-nation infrastructure plan developed in consultation with First Nations leadership, outlining specific projects, timelines, and funding commitments.
• Adequate Funding: The plan must be accompanied by substantial and sustained funding, ensuring that First Nations communities have the resources necessary to build and maintain essential infrastructure.
• Meaningful Consultation: The government must engage in meaningful and ongoing consultation with First Nations throughout the entire project lifecycle, respecting Indigenous rights and knowledge.
• Environmental Protection: Any project approval must prioritize environmental protection and adhere to the highest standards, safeguarding the health and well-being of First Nations communities and the environment.

National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized that the AFN is not opposed to responsible development but insists that it must be done in a way that respects Indigenous rights and contributes to the well-being of First Nations communities. “We are willing to work collaboratively with the government to find solutions that benefit all Canadians, but we will not compromise on our commitment to ensuring that First Nations are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect,” she concluded.

The AFN is actively engaging with government officials and parliamentarians to advocate for these critical changes to the proposed legislation. The organization is also mobilizing First Nations communities to raise awareness about the issue and demand action from their elected representatives.

This push for infrastructure investment alongside project approvals highlights a broader trend in Indigenous advocacy – the insistence on ensuring that economic development benefits all communities and doesn't exacerbate existing inequalities.