Month: July 2017

July 26, 2017 (Regina SK,) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde responded today to the Supreme Court of Canada decisions today in the Chippewas of the Thames and Clyde River cases dealing with Indigenous peoples right to consultation and accommodation. “It’s clear today that our right to consultation and accommodation must […]

July 25, 2017 (Regina, SK) – As First Nations leaders, Elders, women and youth from across Canada gathered in Regina, SK today for the opening of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly, AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde and federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, announced First Nations […]

July 25, 2017 Tawaw kahkiyaw, okimâwak, nâpewak, iskwewak, kêhtêak, oskâyak. Okimaw piyisiw awasis nitisihkason. Miyo kisikaw anoch. My friends and relatives I welcome you all. I acknowledge the Elders and lift them up for the pipe ceremony this morning and for getting us all connected to the Creator. I acknowledge that we are in Treaty […]

July 21, 2017 (Ottawa, ON)― First Nation leaders, Elders, Women, youth and citizens from across the country are set to gather next week for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 38th Annual General Assembly (AGA), to be held at the Evraz Place from July 25-27.  Chiefs and delegates will discuss key issues and determine strategy […]

July 19, 2017 (Ottawa) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde congratulated the new Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Arlen Dumas, on being elected today by the Chiefs of Manitoba in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.   “On behalf of the AFN and my colleagues on the AFN Executive Committee I […]

July 18, 2017 (Ottawa) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde issued the following statement today on the ongoing wildfires affecting First Nations and many residents in British Columbia. As of July 17, about 40,000 people have been displaced and 20 First Nations in B.C. are affected by the fires.  “We acknowledge […]

July 17, 2017 (Toronto, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde expressed his strong objection today to attempts to sideline and segregate the AFN from participation in federal-provincial-territorial intergovernmental tables, including the 2017 Council of the Federation meeting scheduled for Edmonton July 18 and 19. “The AFN represents First Nations governments, […]

June 5, 2017 (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today marked World Environment Day, reminding everyone of the contributions First Nations have made and continue to make as stewards of the land and the need for First Nations to be involved in all efforts to protect, sustain and respect […]

June 5, 2017 Significant Amendments to the Indian Act Appear to be Imminent – Make Your Voices Heard  Beginning the week of June 5th, the House of Commons will be studying and then moving to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Indian Act (elimination of sex-based inequities in registration). This Bill […]

July 14, 2017 (Ottawa) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde responded to the “Principles Respecting Canada’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples” released today by the federal Minister of Justice, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould.  “We all agree that federal officials are in need of guidance and direction so that federal policy and decision-making […]