Press release from AFN May 7 2026
(May 7, 2026 – Mi’kmaq Territory) – Speaking to a Nova Scotia Chiefs Leadership Gathering, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak called on the federal government to finally make changes to the federal Cannabis Act to align with the United Nations Declaration Act and recommendations from the March 2024 Expert Panel that reviewed the law. At the direction of the provincial government, the RCMP have been investigating and raiding First Nation cannabis stores over the past month.
“We are proud of Nova Scotia Chiefs for their leadership on this issue,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Since cannabis was legalized in 2018, Chiefs from coast-to-coast-to-coast have debated and supported thoughtful and responsible cannabis policies at our Assembly. This leadership influenced the recommendations of the Expert Panel that the federal government created two years ago to review the Cannabis Act. Sadly, nothing has changed and it’s time for action.”
During her address, the National Chief called on federal Ministers of Health and Justice to:
- Fully act on the recommendations from their Expert Panel that recognize First Nations rights and support a larger role in the cannabis industry.
- Facilitate national engagement with Rights Holders to co-develop a framework to exercise our inherent jurisdiction over the production, processing, distribution and sale of cannabis.
- Align the Cannabis Act with Canada’s UN Declaration Act.
- Work with First Nation leadership to develop tax and revenue sharing frameworks.
- Invite provincial Ministers to work collaboratively to increase funding for training and First Nations police services to enforce First Nations cannabis laws.
“Nova Scotia’s Premier and the federal government must understand that this issue is about our right to self-governance and self-determination,” said Nova Scotia Regional Chief Andrea Paul. “Having the province direct RCMP raids on our communities instead of respectful discussions with First Nations has been a major setback in relations with the Crown.”
The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples has continued to examine the Cannabis Act and how legalization has affected First Nations. The Committee made recommendations in response to the Expert Panel’s 2024 findings, including:
- Minister of Health amends the Cannabis Act to permit First Nations regulation for the possession, sale and distribution of cannabis on our land.
- Canada convenes a meeting with First Nations, provincial and territorial governments to solve jurisdictional challenges and ensure First Nations to exercise our rightful place in the market.
- Finance Canada collaborate with First Nations to develop an excise tax-sharing framework as part of its discussions on the fuel, alcohol and tobacco.
- Support enforcement of band by-laws with sufficient training investment in First Nations police services and creation of a First Nations agency to support market participation.