Wendake, April 1, 2025 – With the federal election campaign in full swing, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) is officially entering the political arena to make the voices and priorities of First Nations heard. Its new Chief, Francis Verreault-Paul, will use the campaign to raise awareness among political parties, candidates, and the general public about the urgent need for a clear commitment to First Nations. “We are asking all parties to make a concrete commitment: to respect our rights, to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to advance priority issues such as housing and infrastructure, public safety, education, and self-determination,” said Chief Francis Verreault-Paul. “We are at a turning point where fundamental decisions must be made for our future. First Nations must be part of these political and economic discussions and decisions.”
The AFNQL’s priorities for the federal campaign are based on three main areas:
• Self-determination and sovereignty – Support and recognize governance, ancestral rights and titles, and development by and for First Nations.
• Reconciliation – Develop concrete measures for legislative and economic reconciliation.
• Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) – Fully apply the UNDRIP in all federal policies.
Other key priorities include:
• Honoring and continuing to implement regional education agreements;
• Supporting First Nations-led initiatives in climate action and community resilience;
• Immediately negotiating an agreement on First Nations child and family services reform;
• Legislating against cultural appropriation and self-identification, including in government procurement processes.
Meeting with the Chiefs’ Table
Throughout the campaign, the AFNQL will implement a series of political and public initiatives to engage parties and candidates. Chief Verreault-Paul invites party leaders to meet with First Nations leaders and respond clearly to the expectations of the 10 Nations in Quebec-Labrador.
“This election is an opportunity to remind everyone that reconciliation is not a slogan, it is a responsibility,” added AFNQL Chief Verreault-Paul. “First Nations are sovereign peoples with the right to self-determination.”
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Source: Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador