OTTAWA — First Nations chiefs unanimously voted on Tuesday to call for the withdrawal of a recent pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta. The resolution was passed during the Assembly of First Nations' annual meeting in Ottawa, where hundreds of leaders gathered to discuss pressing issues affecting their communities.

The agreement, signed last week, aims to facilitate a bitumen pipeline to Asian markets. It includes provisions to potentially lift the federal ban on oil tanker traffic in northern British Columbia waters. However, the chiefs expressed strong opposition to this initiative, particularly in support of First Nations on the B.C. coast who are against the pipeline.

Chief Donald Edgars of the Old Massett Village Council in Haida Gwaii introduced the emergency resolution. He stated, "A pipeline to B.C.’s coast is nothing but a pipe dream." The resolution also urges the governments of Canada, Alberta, and British Columbia to acknowledge the climate emergency and adhere to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In her opening remarks, AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized the importance of First Nations rights. She remarked, "It’s as if First Nations rights can be wiped away with one federal-provincial MOU." She added, "When it comes to approving large national projects on First Nations lands, there will not be getting around rights holders."

The assembly is also addressing the Liberal government's fall budget, which Woodhouse Nepinak described as an opportunity to rebuild trust with First Nations after previous legislation was enacted without adequate consultation. Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to speak to the assembly later in the day, marking his first official attendance since taking office.

The pipeline agreement has faced significant backlash from First Nations leaders in British Columbia. Marilyn Slett, chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, stated, "This pipeline project will never happen." The B.C. Assembly of First Nations has voiced its support for coastal First Nations and called for all governments to abandon the pipeline project.

The memorandum of understanding between Canada and Alberta emphasizes respect for Indigenous rights and the need for meaningful consultation with Indigenous peoples. However, many chiefs remain skeptical about the government's commitment to these principles.

The agenda for the assembly also includes discussions on Bill S-2, which proposes changes to the Indian Act, including the elimination of the “second-generation cutoff” rule. This rule currently restricts Indian status eligibility for children of one non-status parent after two generations. Over three dozen policy resolutions are set to be debated during the meeting, alongside emergency resolutions addressing urgent matters.