NAN Leadership Call on Federal, Provincial Government to Uphold Treaty Obligations

THUNDER BAY, ON: Gathered during Treaties Recognition Week, leaders from Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) reaffirmed their shared commitment to the protection of Treaty and inherent rights. Concern was voiced by leadership during the Fall Assembly over the direction that the federal and provincial governments have taken on decisions directly affecting NAN territory.

“Treaties Recognition Week should be a time to honour the sacred agreements that built this country,” said NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “Instead, we are watching those commitments weaken. In Parliament, in budgets, and on the lands our ancestors protected for all future generations.”

Announced yesterday, the 2025 federal budget offered little comfort for First Nations. And what it does include comes with uncertainty. Funding for Indigenous Services and Crown–Indigenous Relations has been reduced, without clarity on where cuts will fall. The budget replaces long-term investments with short, year-to-year cycles. NAN leadership expressed concerns about how this will affect our collective efforts to close the housing, infrastructure, and health gaps that define life in our communities.

“At the same time, both Canada and Ontario are pushing ahead with resource and infrastructure projects across our territory, citing ‘nation-building’ while failing to uphold the constitutional duty to consult. We have always said that we are not opposed to development, but that means truly together, not us left behind while others drive through our lands toward their own prosperity,” said Fiddler.

“The federal government remains unclear about critical funding decisions affecting the well-being of our people while they begin to count their revenues reaped from the sacred lands of our people,” said Ginoogaming First Nation Chief Sheri Taylor. “Fast-tracking mining and major projects in Canada’s best interest while our communities don’t have access to safe water, housing, and roads. Canada cannot write its own future based on the erosion of our rights and our lands. We are constantly in states of emergencies and crisis, while the government is taking out television ads planning how they will profit off our lands.”

Chiefs across NAN territory echoed the call for partnership grounded in respect. They want peaceful co-existence, mutual benefit, and prosperity for all.

“Our members want to work, thrive, and prosper. We are not opposed to development, but that means truly together, not us left behind while others drive through our lands toward their own prosperity,” Eabametoong First Nation Chief Solomon Atlookan.

NAN calls on Canada and Ontario to uphold their sacred Treaty and constitutional obligations, and to work in true partnership in First Nations for the mutual benefit and prosperity for all. Closing the gaps that keep Northern communities from sharing equally in the prosperity from NAN lands and resources is essential and must be prioritized ahead of profit.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca