Indigenous leaders take a historic step toward a permanent seat at the table in Canada’s governance

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A new era in Canadian governance unfolded today as the federal government announced the creation of a permanent national space for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, furthering its commitment to reconciliation and inclusive governance.

The building at 100 Wellington Street and 119 Sparks Street, in the centre of Canada's Parliamentary Precinct in Ottawa, will serve as a hub for Indigenous leaders, governments, institutions, and organizations to hold intergovernmental discussions and organize events.

“This space is more than just a physical structure. It represents the place we as First Nations are reclaiming as our rightful seat at the table,” Cindy Woodhouse of the Assembly of First Nations said at the event.

The national space was formalized with the signing of a letter of intent on Tuesday, by Ottawa and Indigenous leaders to establish a permanent presence at the core of Canada’s democratic seat of power. The signators included: Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed, who gathered at the Rogers Centre. This agreement formalizes the permanent presence of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis at the core of Canada’s democracy.

“The path of federal Indigenous relations in Canada has been a long one,” said Anandasangaree during the announcement, emphasizing the government's history of imposing decisions on Indigenous communities, rather than engaging in a partnership of equals.

The journey to this milestone began on National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2017, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the former United States embassy would be transformed into a space dedicated to Indigenous Peoples.

Delays occurred to ensure consultation and agreement with the Algonquin Nation, whose traditional territory includes the site. While the space was being developed, the building temporarily hosted Indigenous exhibitions, meetings, and press activities in the summer of 2024.

The road to this moment has involved years of false starts and delayed commitments from the federal government. “It’s a big step in the right direction,” said Anandasangaree.

Ottawa has allocated $4.2 million over two years to support redevelopment of the location.

The space will provide a platform for Indigenous voices to have a direct impact on key policies from health and education to economic development and environmental sustainability. The announcement represents a step closer to fulfilling the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, as well as Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination.

As President Natan Obed of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami puts it, “We are an essential part in this conversation, and without the Indigenous self-determining part, Canada really is at a disadvantage in the international community in this debate.”

Anandasangaree concluded: "As the buildings are redeveloped and redesigned and re-imagined, a new keystone will be set within Canada’s parliamentary democracy."

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/0 ... -agreement