The Assembly of First Nations national chief is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to steer infrastructure investment to Indigenous groups.

Writing an op-ed column in The Globe and Mail, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak contended that investment in Indigenous infrastructure directly supports national priorities would boost reconciliation between Indigenous groups and all other Canadians. Her comments come after a bill tied to the Liberal minority government’s infrastructure fast-track received House of Commons approval. “At a time of growing global uncertainty – amid trade disruptions, rising inflation, climate change and international instability – Canada is looking for ways to strengthen its economy, create good jobs and build lasting resilience,” she wrote. “Investing in First Nations infrastructure directly supports these national priorities and represents one of our greatest collective nation-building opportunities.”

Carney has pledged to fast-track infrastructure projects that promote nation-building. Many First Nations reserves lack sufficient and suitable infrastructure.

“Every person in Canada deserves clean water to drink, reliable infrastructure to support their families and a strong foundation to build a future,” Woodhouse Nepinak wrote. “Yet for far too many First Nations, these basic needs remain out of reach owing to generations of underinvestment.”

She noted that an AFN report has estimated that an additional $349.2-billion investment is needed to bring First Nations infrastructure in line with the rest of Canada by 2030. The chief also pointed to a Conference Board of Canada report that found improving First Nations infrastructure would generate $635 billion in economic output, increase Canada’s GDP by $308.9 billion and create 330,000 jobs annually over the next seven years.

She pointed to several First Nations development projects that are promoting nation-building and reconciliation, including the Squamish Nation’s massive Sen̓áḵw multi-residential project in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area. 

Woodhouse Nepinak called for full consultation, shared legislative development, and recognition that Canada’s future prosperity is tied to the success of Indigenous groups.

“That is how you build a country – by ensuring the foundations are strong for everyone,” she wrote. “The future of Canada depends on it.”

Pictured: AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak

Photo: Assembly of First Nations