First Nations leaders in Canada have urged "bold, decisive action" in the wake of the resignation of prime minister Justin Trudeau.

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, head of the Assembly of First Nations, said the outgoing PM had during his time in the highest office "taken meaningful steps to address issues that matter to First Nations".

"His leadership brought attention to longstanding challenges and resulted in important progress in areas such as clean water, housing, education, and child welfare. The passing of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a milestone in aligning Canadian law with the rights and self-determination of First Nations," she said.

"While much work remains, these actions have laid a foundation for future governments to build upon. On behalf of the AFN Executive Committee, we thank Prime Minister Trudeau for working with us on many of these critical issues."

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs thanked Mr Trudeau for his "years of service, his commitment to Canada, and his efforts to address First Nations concerns, including his commitment to reconciliation and advancing First Nations rights".

The chiefs noted that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain, as First Nations continue to face systemic inequities, and "bold, decisive action" is needed to ensure meaningful change.

"We commend Prime Minister Trudeau for his commitment to reconciliation and fostering dialogue with First Nations," said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy.

"However, we urge the next leader to prioritise transformative change and address the critical issues still affecting our communities."

The Manitoba chiefs urged all Canadian political leaders to prioritise: equitable funding for essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing; implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls) Calls for Justice; upholding Treaty rights; and building respectful, accountable partnerships with First Nations.

The chiefs raised concerns about the announced parliamentary break until March 2025 and resultant delays in addressing urgent First Nations issues, and urged the federal government to ensure "uninterrupted support and services" during the transition.

"This leadership transition is a pivotal moment," said Chief Kennedy.

"First Nations have long been stewards of this land and champions for justice. We look forward to working with the next Liberal Party Leader and all elected officials from the various political parties to build a future grounded in reconciliation, equity, and shared prosperity."

Chief Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations also raised concerns about delays to vital work.

"Over the past few months, we have seen significant delays in progress on key issues. While Parliament has been prorogued until March 24, 2025, the federal government must ensure that critical issues affecting First Nations remain a priority during this period of change," she said.

"We have not yet received a commitment from the Federal Government to seek a new mandate to negotiate long-term reform of First Nations Child and Family Services, which we have repeatedly sought.

"We also await the tabling and Royal Assent of Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act, which is urgently needed to ensure First Nations' basic human right of access to safe drinking water is upheld and respected. This legislation has been long in the making, and we again urge that it be moved through the approval process as swiftly as possible."

Chief Woodhouse Nepinak said First Nations leaders and representatives are committed to working with the next Prime Minister and federal leaders "to advance these priorities", including border discussions and implementing the Supreme Court's ruling on First Nations policing, and "achieving meaningful progress for First Nations and all Canadians".