On November 6, the Calgary Chamber hosted National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak for a keynote address and fireside chat with Calgary Chamber President & CEO, Deborah Yedlin. The National Chief’s address highlighted key priorities for the Assembly of First Nations in response to Budget 2025 and emphasized the importance of building relationships between First Nations, industry and all levels of government.
Chief Woodhouse Nepinak began her remarks with an update on the Manitou Stone. The stone holds spiritual and cultural significance to First Nations, once acting as a sacred landmark for communities to gather, pray and hold ceremonies. However, the stone was taken from its site by the founder of a residential school and held by various institutions over the past 100 years. Chief Woodhouse Nepinak shared positive news on the repatriation of the stone: Parks Canada has set aside 100 acres at Elk Island National Park, where the Manitou Stone will be housed under the rightful care of First Nations people once again.
In response to Budget 2025, announced earlier this week, Chief Woodhouse Nepinak reiterated the essential role of First Nations in the future of Canada. She looks forward to collaborating with federal and provincial government to address several key issues related to First Nations rights, including:
Education
Schools across First Nations communities are overcrowded and underfunded. Investments in education must be a priority, particularly around language and cultural studies to raise the next generation with an understanding of their heritage.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure gap is a top priority for the Assembly of First Nations. The National Chief has called for strategic capital investment to close this gap and direct funding towards essential infrastructure in First Nations communities – including roads, access to water, public safety and high-speed internet. Connectivity is critical to inclusivity, particularly with the advancement of AI and other key technologies. Investments in infrastructure would have additional immediate benefits, creating over 300,000 jobs in First Nations communities.
Procurement
Chief Woodhouse Nepinak stressed the importance of First Nations procurement in upcoming federal budgets, stating that it was a missed opportunity in Budget 2025. Procurement opportunities narrow the gap for First Nations to access capital and jobs, particularly for small to medium sized businesses. She is also calling for a First Nations procurement office that supports SMEs.
During the fireside chat with Calgary Chamber President & CEO, Deborah Yedlin, the discussion centred around these priorities. Key takeaways included:
- Importance of investing in infrastructure in First Nations communities to ensure people have the means to live and work. A complete funding package is not necessary all at once, but a plan of action must be a priority for the federal government to address key issues and alleviate poverty.
- Regarding Major Projects, industry and government must respect the land and engage with First Nations communities in all stages of project development.
- Full partnership is needed between First Nations, government and industry. Chief Woodhouse Nepinak advised that companies should include a First Nations person on their board of directors.
- Regarding access to capital and financial support for SMEs, there needs to be fewer restrictions at financial institutions for First Nations.
The Calgary Chamber extends sincere thanks to our sponsors for their support in making this event possible: Our Presenting Sponsor and Truth and Reconciliation Pillar Partner, Keyera; our Thanking Sponsor, Enbridge; and our Supporting Sponsors AtkinsRéalis, Fluor and Pembina Pipeline Corporation.
