(July 16, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak released the following statement at the conclusion of the AFN 45th Annual General Assembly (AGA) on the unceded territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation in Montreal, Québec:
“We are grateful to all Chiefs, Proxies, Elders, youth, delegates, and others who joined the AGA to advance the interests of First Nations,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “In unity, we engaged in dialogue on mutual priorities and deliberated on a record number of resolutions. The mandates brought forth by First Nations-in-Assembly last week will guide our work to strengthen our relations in the coming months and years.”
The AFN 45th AGA was well-attended, with over 2,400 participants. Out of the 67 on-time resolutions, a total of 54 were passed.
Among the significant resolutions passed at the AGA was one calling for an independent inquiry into the deaths of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, led by First Nations commissioners. Another resolution aims to accelerate the National Action Plan and implement the Calls for Justice from the MMIWG2S+ inquiry, addressing the urgent need to combat systemic violence against First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. The Assembly also adopted a resolution supporting the recognition of First Nations jurisdiction over policing—a crucial step toward self-determination and enhancing community safety. Furthermore, First Nations-in-Assembly passed a resolution to advance First Nations’ rights through sustainable funding to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), ensuring that First Nations can fully exercise their rights as outlined in the UN Declaration.
“As we reflect on the productive discussions from this Assembly, we are particularly thankful for the historic commitment of $47.8 billion from the Government of Canada to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services Program, which will benefit our children and families. This gathering has once again proven that when we come together in a good way, with a shared vision, there is no limit to what we can achieve for our Nations,” concluded AFN National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
Contact information:
Genna Benson
Director, Communications
Assembly of First Nations
604-340-3117 (mobile)
[email protected]
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
[email protected]