Indigenous leaders criticize budget cuts to reconciliation programs

Indigenous leaders are alarmed by the federal budget’s lack of guaranteed funding for key reconciliation programs beyond spring 2026, fearing cuts or terminations. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak plans to seek clarification on these so-called “sunset programs,” while Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed is considering legal action for the Inuit Child First Initiative’s funding expiry. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty emphasized the intention to modernize, not eliminate, these programs. Mixed reactions emerged, with some groups welcoming the budget while others expressed concerns over potential $2.3 billion cuts to Indigenous services by 2030.

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