Provincial and First Nations leaders comment as meeting continues – October 26, 2026

Provincial and Indigenous leaders speak with reporters as the 2026 First Nations-First Ministers’ meeting continues in Ottawa. A group of First Nations chiefs from Saskatchewan discuss issues they are raising in the meeting. Among the speakers are Tammy Cook-Searson (Lac La Ronge Indian Band), Ronnie Augier (Fond du Lac First Nation), Kirby Constant (James Smith Cree Nation), Christine Longjohn (Sturgeon Lake First Nation), and Brian Hardlotte (Prince Albert Grand Council). They are joined by Matthew Coon Come (former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations). Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew discusses his call for Canada to abolish the Indian Act. Chief Troy Knowlton (Piikani Nation) reacts to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s decision not to attend the meeting. Chief George Cote (Cote First Nation) and Chief Dustin Brass (The Key First Nation) discuss a new health-care facility serving their Saskatchewan communities.