Carney, premiers kick off meeting with First Nations leaders in Ottawa

By Canadian Press on October 26, 2026.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak speaks at the AFN First Nations — First Ministers Meeting Day of Ceremony in Ottawa, on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says today’s meeting with First Nations leaders will help forge new relationships as his government pursues a major projects building boom.

First Nations leaders are meeting with Carney and some of the country’s premiers in Ottawa.

Carney says it’s the first time in two decades the first ministers have met in person with First Nations leaders.

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says First Nations fought hard for this meeting and it should not be the last such gathering with first ministers.

The meeting comes as Carney works to speed up major project approvals and development — efforts some First Nations chiefs say threaten their rights.

The premiers of Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec are not attending the meeting.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2026.

The Canadian Press

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