Quebec Indigenous leaders hopeful Carney win leads to new relationship between Ottawa, First Nations

First Nations leaders from Quebec and Labrador are congratulating Prime Minister Mark Carney on his reelection.

In a statement, the Assembly of First Nations Québec-Labrador (AFNQL), which represents 43 First Nations across Quebec and 10 communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, expressed hope that the new Carney government would facilitate a “transformation” in relationship with First Nations.

Francis Verreault-Paul, who was elected as the chief of AFNQL in February, said he hoped for dialogue and collaboration with the federal government.

“I wish to emphasize legislative reconciliation, which I sincerely believe is possible. It will, however, require the establishment of genuine channels for Nation-to-Nation dialogue, based on listening and a mutual desire to work together,” Verreault-Paul said.

AFNQL said the election campaign didn’t adequately address Indigenous issues.

However, it said the full implementation of the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and concrete measures for legislative and economic reconciliation remained its priorities.