June 5, 2024 — Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario

Regional Chiefs and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations met earlier this week with Federal Cabinet Ministers in Ottawa, on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg people, to strengthen their relationship, advance priorities to improve the quality of life for First Nations, and close long-standing socio-economic gaps.

This week’s joint priorities meeting identified a series of critical issues that will guide the vital relationship between First Nations and the federal government over the next year. These issues include First Nations policing, closing the housing and infrastructure gap, child welfare, education, climate leadership, and economic reconciliation, among others.

This joint meeting, the first in five years, reinforced the value and importance of hosting regular meetings to ensure effective progress on joint priorities and highlighted the crucial role of regional perspectives in advancing the needs and interests of First Nations.

The Assembly of First Nations and the Government of Canada will continue to work toward a renewed relationship as we advance these mutual priorities that will benefit First Nations and all Canadians for generations to come.