OTTAWA - Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty is set to address hundreds of chiefs at a special meeting of the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa today. Her speech will focus on proposed changes to the Indian Act, following significant amendments made by Senators to a bill that could expand eligibility for status to an unknown number of individuals.

The chiefs will engage in discussions on various pressing issues, including child welfare reform and the effects of major projects on First Nations communities. Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the event on Tuesday, where he pledged to meet with leaders from Coastal First Nations. This commitment came after the chiefs unanimously voted to urge the government to maintain the ban on oil tankers in British Columbia and to retract an agreement with Alberta that facilitates a new oil pipeline.

Carney also announced that his government plans to introduce legislation aimed at ensuring access to clean drinking water in the spring, postponing a previously promised bill that was expected this fall.

In addition to Gull-Masty, Sen. Paul Prosper and former national chief Perry Bellegarde are scheduled to speak at today’s gathering, which highlights the ongoing dialogue between Indigenous leaders and the government on critical issues affecting First Nations communities.