AFN election forum begins with Greens the first to face chiefs

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is hosting an online series with federal party leaders in the lead-up to the April 28 vote. The first session was held on Monday and featured Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, co-leaders of the Green Party of Canada. The Green Party holds only two seats, but May said they still can serve an important role in supporting First Nations. “ One of the things you might think as well, okay, you get some Green MPs you’re not going to be in cabinet,” said May. “ We’ll always work for you as chief and council anywhere across Canada if you want to make sure that an urgent matter is delivered directly to whatever minister.” Each party received five questions in advance, based on the AFN’s 2025 Election Priorities document, Prosperity for All. The questions address critical issues, including child welfare reform and Jordan’s Principle, justice and policing, safety for Indigenous women, and access to clean drinking water. The co-leaders expressed their support for several key issues, including renewed funding for Jordan’s Principle, implementing key aspects of the national inquiry on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls such as  shutting down “man camps”, reducing risks and reducing environmental damage. Following the party leaders’ remarks, the forum opened to First Nation chiefs who were invited to submit written questions through a moderator. Ramona Horseman, chief of Horse Lake First Nation in Treaty 8, asked if the Greens could pressure the federal cabinet to speed up settlements on treaty, land entitlement claims. Michael Yellowback, chief of Manto Sipi Cree Nation in Manitoba, asked how the Greens will support First Nation communities in having their own police force. “We’ll do everything as requested,” said May. “I mean, we’re, we’re in a nation to nation relationship so even answering this question, I’m aware of, wait a minute, I’m not gonna say what Indigenous policing needs for supports. That’s for Indigenous governments to inform settler culture and governments, to say this is how this is going to work, this is what we need to do it, and then that determines what we will support.” They also said they support Indigenous control over infrastructure to deliver clean drinking water. Read More: Decision 2025 Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is scheduled to appear on April 22 followed by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh on April 23. Both sessions will take place from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. ET. The AFN is still awaiting confirmation from Liberal leader Mark Carney. ” In addition to renewing their commitment to reconciliation, this election, of course, is an opportunity for federal party leaders to renew and demonstrate their readiness to realize the full potential of the First Nations economy in this country,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “The question is not just if they support First Nations’ rights. Of course, the question is, what actions will they take to uphold these rights?” Continue Reading