PRINCE RUPERT — Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to engage in a crucial meeting today with Coastal First Nations in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The discussion revolves around his government's ambitious projects agenda alongside significant marine conservation initiatives.
Accompanying Prime Minister Carney will be several key ministers, including Tim Hodgson, the Minister of Natural Resources, and Gregor Robertson, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. Their presence underscores the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of Indigenous communities regarding resource management and environmental protection along British Columbia's coastline.
Coastal First Nations, representing a coalition of nine First Nations, plays a pivotal role in advocating for the protection of the B.C. coastline and the Great Bear Rainforest. The organization aims to ensure that Indigenous voices are integral to the decision-making processes concerning the management of natural resources and marine environments.
However, relations between Coastal First Nations and the federal government have experienced significant strain. Tensions escalated in 2025 when federal officials proceeded to sign an agreement with Alberta concerning a pipeline project destined for British Columbia's coast without prior consultation with the Coastal First Nations. This lack of communication has fostered feelings of mistrust and frustration within the Indigenous community, who feel sidelined in discussions that directly impact their lands and waters.
The situation was further exacerbated when Minister Hodgson made a controversial remark during a television interview, suggesting that he could have engaged with members of the Coastal First Nations virtually via Zoom. This comment was met with backlash from the community, which highlighted the importance of face-to-face dialogue, especially regarding sensitive issues like environmental protection and Indigenous rights.
Marilyn Slett, the president of Coastal First Nations, has clearly articulated the organization’s position against the pipeline project and the potential lifting of the oil tanker moratorium. She emphasized that there is a unanimous stance among her members against such developments, asserting their commitment to preserving the integrity of their coastal environment and securing their rights in resource management.
As this meeting unfolds, it is evident that the Prime Minister and his ministers face a significant challenge in rebuilding trust and fostering a collaborative approach moving forward. The outcome of these discussions will likely have lasting implications for both the Indigenous communities involved and the government's broader environmental policies.
This report was first published on January 13, 2026.
