Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)
Canadian National Indigenous Organization
About us
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples represents the interests of Métis, status and Non-status Indians, and Southern Inuit Indigenous People living off-reserve in Canada.
Our mandate is to improve the socio-economic conditions of our constituency living in urban or rural areas.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples works collectively with its 11 provincial and territorial organizations across Canada to promote and advance the common interests, collective and individual rights, interests, and needs of its constituents.
CAP believes that all Indigenous peoples in Canada should be rightfully treated with respect, dignity, integrity, and equality, and experience a high quality of life, founded on the rebuilding of our Nations.
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples is one of five National Indigenous Representative Organizations recognized by the Government of Canada. Founded in 1971 as the Native Council of Canada, CAP was originally established to represent the interests of Métis and Non-status Indians. Reorganized and renamed in 1993, the organization has extended its constituency to include all off-reserve status and Non-status Indians, Métis and Southern Inuit Indigenous Peoples, and serves as the national voice for its 11 provincial and territorial affiliate organizations.
CAP continues to undertake legal research, interventions, and political action to demand that the CAP Daniels decision be upheld and the rights of our constituents are protected and respected regardless of their residence off-reserve or Indian Act status.
National Chief
National Chief Brendan Moore brings more than a decade of heartfelt dedication and advocacy for Indigenous Peoples, most recently serving as Chief of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council. Of Mi’kmaq and Scottish heritage, he was born in Dalhousie on the north shore of New Brunswick and is a proud member of Elsipogtog First Nation. Having been raised in various off-reserve communities within the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, his deep roots in both his culture and community fuel his passion for creating meaningful change.
Chief Moore is especially recognized for his unwavering commitment to off-reserve Indigenous rights. He takes great pride in his work with urban community members—particularly in his adopted home community of Fredericton, which holds a special place in his heart. His personal journey has been one of resilience, healing, and spiritual growth, while striving to “walk the Red Road” to become the leader he is today.
A lifelong athlete, community builder, and world traveler, Chief Moore brings a spirit of openness, optimism, and vision to his new role. As National Chief, he is focused on strengthening CAP’s presence across the country by building trusted relationships, promoting unity among Indigenous organizations, and ensuring the voices of urban, off-reserve, and non-status Indigenous Peoples are heard, respected, and empowered. With a leadership style rooted in collaboration and mutual respect, National Chief Moore is committed to ensuring CAP stands strong as a vital voice within the Indigenous, governmental, and advocacy landscapes.
>All Indigenous peoples in Canada should be rightfully treated with respect, dignity, integrity, equality, and have a high quality of life founded on the rebuilding of our Nations.