Ottawa, Ontario – Prime Minister Mark Carney met today with the leaders of Canada’s three National Indigenous Organizations to discuss economic reconciliation and Indigenous participation in the country’s economic growth. The meeting included National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations, President Natan Obed of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and President Victoria Pruden of the Métis National Council.
The discussions focused on integrating Indigenous leadership and perspectives into Canada’s economic future, with Carney emphasizing his vision of building the strongest economy in the G7 through meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples. The federal government, he stated, will ensure Indigenous communities are at the table as economic stakeholders and rights-holders.
Building a stronger Canada can only happen in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
Thank you to the leaders of the National Indigenous Organizations for a productive and wide-ranging discussion today. It is the first of many.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 21, 2025
As part of this commitment, the Prime Minister announced that the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program will be doubled from $5 billion to $10 billion. The expanded program will now include sectors beyond energy and natural resources, opening new opportunities for Indigenous-led infrastructure, transportation, and trade projects across Canada.
Carney reaffirmed the government’s dedication to reconciliation, citing the importance of upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and maintaining a distinctions-based approach for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
The meeting, held on short notice, underscored the federal government’s desire for active collaboration with Indigenous leaders. Carney thanked Woodhouse Nepinak, Obed, and Pruden for their participation, and all parties agreed to continue working together on economic and reconciliation efforts.
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