First Nations, Carney, premiers to gather for ceremony ahead of historic meeting
First Nations leaders and Canadian premiers are gathering in Ottawa for a historic meeting aimed at addressing socioeconomic gaps and fostering economic partnership. The event marks the first major summit of its kind since the 2005 Kelowna Accord.
Why it matters
This meeting represents a significant attempt to reset relations and policy collaboration between the Canadian government and Indigenous leadership.
First Nations leaders gathered in Ottawa on Sunday for ceremonies ahead of a historic meeting on Monday with some premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney .
National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak told reporters that First Nations want to be partners with the provinces in making a strong economy that works for everyone.
“We see geopolitical unrest around the world for many people including Canada. And we want to work toward prosperity for First Nations, and make sure that this meeting isn’t a one-and-done,” she said.
As part of the ceremonies, premiers were given a handful of tobacco they were encouraged to pray upon. They then followed Woodhouse Nepinak to a tree on the grounds of the Diefenbaker Building where they placed the tobacco at the trunk.
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