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Onion Lake Cree Nation Plays Key Role in Defeating Resolution at Assembly of First Nations Special Assembly

Okimaw Chief and OLCN Help Protect Inherent and Treaty Rights at AFN Special Assembly, December 2-4, 2025

Ottawa, ON, December 3, 2025 — The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Assembly, held from December 2-4, 2025, saw a significant outcome with the defeat of Resolution 13, which called for a Constitutional Conference to define First Nations’ Rights. Okimaw Chief of the Onion Lake Cree Nation (OLCN) was in attendance and, alongside key members of the OLCN team, played an instrumental role in ensuring the protection of inherent and Treaty rights during the proceedings.

On December 2nd, Okimaw Chief and colleagues convened an emergency caucus meeting in the Alberta Chiefs’ room to discuss the potential threats posed by Resolution 13. Chief Kelsey Jacko introduced Okimaw Chief to the Alberta Chiefs caucus, where Okimaw Chief spoke about the ongoing Treaty work at OLCN. The OLCN team presented and distributed a comprehensive briefing note outlining their concerns, sharing it with Chiefs from Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Ontario. Over the next day, OLCN actively lobbied Chiefs, highlighting the risks that Resolution 13 posed to First Nations’ rights if adopted.

On December 3, at approximately 2:00 PM EST, Resolution 13 was brought to the floor for debate. The resolution faced strong opposition, particularly from Chiefs representing Alberta and Saskatchewan, who voiced their concerns. During the crucial online voting process, a ten-minute technical disruption occurred, adding tension to the moment. Once voting resumed, the Chiefs cast their votes, and Resolution 13 was defeated by a narrow margin—61% voted against, surpassing the required 60% threshold to be defeated.

Many Chiefs and technicians expressed their gratitude to OLCN for sharing the briefing note and providing verbal guidance during caucus sessions. The pivotal efforts of Okimaw Chief and the OLCN team were widely acknowledged as essential in securing the defeat of Resolution 13 and protecting the inherent and Treaty rights of First Nations across Canada.

For further information, please contact the Onion Lake Cree Nation communications office

Onion Lake Cree Nation is proudly celebrating National Aboriginal Addiction Awareness Week (NAAAW) from November 23–29!

The community is coming together for a powerful week of healing, culture, and connection—featuring a pipe ceremony, awareness walk, daily presentations, an Elders sharing circle, and a special sobriety celebration supper.

From youth education to cultural events like the mini powwow, family fun night, and round dance, the week offers something meaningful for everyone.

Join us as we honour wellness, strengthen community, and support the journey toward healing and sobriety.