London, Ontario, April 15th, 2025 – Time grows short as the date for the next federal election comes closer, but for Indigenous Peoples priorities seem like a distant second in the minds of the Federal parties. If one were to search for Indigenous issues in any of the Federal parties platforms, one would be hard pressed to find something that is current and not a cliché empty promise that has been touted time again with pretty words but no meaning.
Grand Chief Joel Abram states “We will not settle for recycled promises and hollows words from candidates who fail to understand or respect the priorities of First Nations. For decades, Federal parties have talked about reconciliation, but what we need are concrete commitments and timelines. Our people still struggle with unsafe drinking water, substandard housing, chronic underfunding in health and education, and a child welfare system that continues to separate families instead of supporting them.
The Federal government has dragged its feet on climate action while First Nations face the harshest effects – from extreme weather to poisoned lands and waters. We still lack clear recognition of our border rights under the Jay Treaty. Our justice systems are overwhelmed, while the provinces and feds argue over who is responsible. Economic development, revenue sharing, and implementation of our treaties are not optional – they are legally and morally required.
Indigenous Peoples are not asking for charity. We are demanding that Canda respect our rights and responsibilities, honour our treaties, and act on the Calls to Action and the principles of UNDRIP – not just in words, but in law, policy, and budget commitments.”
“The Federal parties seem to confuse goodwill with successfully litigated basic human rights,” states Deputy Grand Chief Stacia Loft. “There has been some progress on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal’s ruling on Child Welfare Reform however, implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, MMIWG Calls for Justice, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples have been frustratingly slow and at times purposefully so. Many of the gains we have today are not by Government goodwill, as many parties would like you to believe, but through class action lawsuits and human rights complaints. Every election period there are proposed commitments to allocate time and, resources to address our needs, but as fine as those sentiments sound, it is reasonable or us to remain skeptical about future substantive change.” The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians urge all parties to make a stronger effort to examine and work towards First Nations priorities such as housing, education, environment, health and child welfare.
