This article originally appeared in the Calgary Herald.
By Stephen Buffalo, April 7, 2025
These are unprecedented times, calling for strong, united and determined action by all Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.
While Indigenous people have had more than their share of problems with the government and people of Canada, we have always been willing to stand with the country through trials. The recent tariffs announced by the United States threaten to upend one of the world’s greatest, most stable and most mutually beneficial trading relationships.
Our country’s future is at risk; we, Indigenous Canadians, are eager to be part of the search for solutions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has his reasons for taking these dramatic measures, leaving it to leaders across Canada to develop strategies for economic protection and revitalization. We can no longer take the friendship and co-operation of the U.S. for granted.
Canada should know that First Nations stand in solidarity with the provinces, territories and the nation as we work together to find viable paths forward. The dangers of substantial economic turmoil are real, and they will affect our First Nations as much, if not more, than other Canadians. Canada’s vulnerabilities are First Nations’ vulnerabilities.
Over the past 150 years, First Nations joined with Canada in a series of historic and modern treaties. Our ancestors signed these agreements and pledged to live in peace with newcomers, and to work with the people who settled on our territories and moved into the towns and cities.
We kept our part of the bargain. We now call on the spirit of these sacred accords to guide us as we collectively face an uncertain future.
Our paths are intertwined. As Canada works toward economic renewal and away from our overdependence on American markets, we will need more creative solutions and greater flexibility and creativity than in the past. This country urgently requires shared actions. We must work together to create renewed — and improved — prosperity for all Canadians.
Perhaps the greatest lesson First Nations people can share with Canadians is our resilience. We have, for generations, been marginalized, ignored and impoverished. Our languages and culture have suffered, and our people have been harmed. First Nations have been insulted and criticized, our legitimacy as nations has been questioned — much like Trump has derided our country. We fought back against formidable odds, and we will continue to do so.
First Nations have had difficulties with the Government of Canada — an understatement to be sure. But the same history that divides us has also pulled us together. Thousands of First Nations people served in the Canadian armed forces, represented Canada in international sporting events or otherwise contributed to the social, economic and cultural strength of this country. The sovereign First Nations in what is called Canada have always responded to the challenges of the nation. We stand ready to do the same again.
The remarkable resource wealth of our traditional territories, responsible for much of Canada’s economic well-being, will form the foundation of Canada’s economic future. Our role in the natural resource economy has changed. In the past, we received small payments for the billions of dollars of oil and gas taken from our land.
Now, our communities are partners in development. We own major pieces of energy infrastructure. We have hundreds of energy firms and thousands of employees. As the country turns to oil and gas to revitalize our threatened economy, they will discover First Nations standing alongside energy companies and government officials. We will work to protect our lands and develop our resources in an environmentally sound manner that enriches us all.
As Canadians, we are proud that our governments are responding strongly to Trump. Our people are no strangers to standing up for what we believe and what we hold dear. As leaders of proud First Nations, we stand with Canada for our rights as First Nations and as a nation, and for our economic independence and long-term prosperity.
The year 2025 has seen the dawning of a new era for Canada, one marked by economic independence from America and unprecedented determination to build a new future. It is finally time to build our country together. First Nations are ready to do our part to stand up to the United States and to build real and lasting economic independence.
Stephen Buffalo is president and chief executive of the Indian Resource Council of Canada and a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.
