About the Event National First Nations Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will host the National First Nations Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum on November 13-14, 2024, in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.), on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
This forum will serve as a platform to share insights, strategies, and develop comprehensive solutions. It will feature plenary sessions, interactive dialogues, and workshops aimed at promoting wholistic and culturally informed policy approaches. The forum seeks to enhance collaboration among leaders, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of First Nations mental wellness and homelessness.
All forum activities will be taking place at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, Suite 300-999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B5.
Who Should Attend?
- First Nations Chiefs and Councillors
- First Nations Organizations and Technicians
- Homelessness, Health and Mental Wellness Professionals and Policymakers
- Individuals with Lived Experiences with Homelessness
- Knowledge Keepers and Elders
- Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Government Representatives
For general information on the National First Nations Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum, or if you would like to participate in the Forum as a speaker or presenter please contact us at [email protected]
Thank you for your interest in the AFN National Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum. Due to the capacity limitations of the venue, in-person registration is now closed. We are pleased to provide the option of observing the forum via webcast in English or French. Please register here for webcast access: Assembly of First Nations || Register
For questions, please contact [email protected].
How to Attend Find out how to register, how to get there, and where to stay.
Overview and Draft Agenda
Event Overview
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National First Nations Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum will feature plenary sessions, interactive dialogues, and workshops aimed at promoting wholistic and culturally informed policy approaches. Key topics to be discussed include:
- Intersecting impacts of health, spirituality, and culture on First Nations’ mental wellness.
- Strategies for upholding First Nations’ self-determination and governance in mental wellness and homelessness initiatives.
- Overcoming service delivery deficits that impact community well-being.
- Developing proactive, community-led responses to mental health and homelessness challenges.
- Empowering First Nations youth through targeted mental wellness programs.
Event Objectives
- Engage in discussions on the AFN National First Nations Homelessness Action Plan and the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework.
- Advocate for integrated, culturally relevant strategies that place mental wellness at the core of homelessness initiatives.
- Drive regional and national initiatives forward, highlighting best practices and challenges in addressing First Nations homelessness and mental wellness.
Draft Agenda
Tuesday, November 12
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Forum Registration Open – Crystal Pavilion Ballroom Foyer
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Welcome Reception – Cypress Suites
Wednesday, November 13
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Forum Registration Open
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies, Plenaries, Panel Presentations and Workshop Sessions
Thursday, November 14
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Plenaries, Panel Presentations and Workshop Sessions and Closing Ceremonies
Accommodations
The Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver has set aside rooms for forum delegates with a generous discount rate. Please note that there are a limited number of discounted rooms available. We advise you to book your room as soon as possible.
Pan Pacific Vancouver: 300-999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia
Rooms are available for occupancy beginning November 12 to November 15, 2024, at the rate of $279 plus applicable taxes.
Reservations Direct Phone: (604) 662-8111 or Toll-Free Number: 1-800-663-1515
Deadline: Note that the deadline for accessing this preferred rate is Thursday, October 17, 2024
Travel Information
Indigeno Travel is the preferred travel agency of the AFN. Indigeno Travel is Indigenous-owned and its service comes complete with conference discounts, 24/7 emergency service for unforeseen flight changes, and a dedicated agent for personalized service. Please contact Indigeno, toll-free at 1-888-202-8262, or by email at [email protected] to make your flight arrangements.
AIR CANADA
Your Air Canada promotion code: RCQQ2FA1
This is a promotion code for the AFN Forum. To book a flight with your promotion code, access aircanada.com and enter your promotion code in the Promotion Code Box. To qualify for the Meeting and Conventions special fares a minimum of 10 delegates are required traveling from various origins to the same destination within Air Canada’s extensive North American and international network. Customers will benefit from an instant online registration and enjoy a 10 % discount on eligible fares.
Applicable Rules:
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Vancouver, British Columbia
- The travel period begins on Wednesday, November 6 and ends Thursday, November 21.
- Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- For North America 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares and higher. For international travel 10% on standard fares and higher.
The booking is to be made to the following city: Vancouver, British Columbia
The travel period begins on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and ends Friday 22, 2024
- Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
- For North America 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For international travel’ 10% on standard fares and higher.
WESTJET
Coupon Code: Guest web/Travel Agent web: 5J6X8RP
Promo Code: Travel Agent GDS only: YBN34
Westjet can confirm that, for the AFN National Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum, they are able to offer 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests traveling Trans-border. To take advantage of this offer, you will need the discount code listed. Please visit www.westjet.com/conventions to make a booking online.
Applicable Rules:
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Vancouver, B.C.
- The travel period begins: 11/6/2024
- The travel period ends: 11/21/2024
No discount will apply to Basic or Business Class bookings.
PORTER
Porter Airlines is proud to offer up to 10% discount on available base fares (with the exception of the lowest class fare during a public seat sale) for travel to and from the AFN National Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum. The discounted fares are available for booking from August 01, 2024, to November 12, 2024.
The discounted fare is available for travel from all locations to Vancouver (YVR) from November 10, 2024, to November 13, 2024, and return from Vancouver (YVR) to all locations from November 14, 2024 to November 17, 2024.
Please book online at www.flyporter.com or through your travel agent using promo code “NHMW24”.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Please check our website regularly for the latest updates.
Accessibility
The AFN is committed to ensuring that our events are safe and accessible spaces where individuals of all abilities can participate fully and with dignity. For questions about accessibility or to request support during the event, such as American Sign Language Interpretation, Langue des Signes Quebecoise interpretation, reserved seating for those who use mobility devices, access to a quiet room for those with sensory processing disabilities, Braille materials, etc., please contact [email protected] by October 21, 2024.