New Indigenous Peoples’ Council to advise Ottawa on national infrastructure decisions

The federal government has appointed 11 Indigenous leaders to a new council tasked with advising on fast-tracking major infrastructure projects.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Council will work with Ottawa as it integrates the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into decision-making on projects deemed in the national interest.

Trevor Mercredi, Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, is among the members. Treaty 8 includes many First Nations and Métis in the Wood Buffalo region. Mercredi was one of several leaders who voiced concern earlier this year about the government’s major projects bill, which critics warned could weaken consultation and affect Indigenous rights.

The council will meet at least four times a year in person, with additional virtual sessions as required. Its members represent First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada, with expertise in areas such as major projects, Indigenous rights and regulatory processes.

Alberta has deep connections to the initiative. The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters was a founding member of the Global Network of Women’s Shelters, which helped launch international collaboration on Indigenous issues, and the province continues to play a role through leaders like Mercredi.

Ottawa says the new body is meant to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous governments, build trust and ensure that large-scale projects proceed in a way that creates opportunity for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

Members Include;