About the Event Assembly of First Nations (AFN) - National Conservation Gathering
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is hosting a National Conservation Gathering, Upholding our Relationship to Mother Earth and Stewarding for Abundance, on October 7-8, 2025. The Gathering will be held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre (MTCC) in Membertou, Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia), on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. Directed by AFN Resolution 27/2024, Full and Effective Participation of First Nations in Canada’s Nature Agenda, the Gathering aims to provide space for First Nations leaders in conservation from coast-to-coast-to-coast to advance transformative solutions in conservation.
Register NowWho should attend?
The Gathering is open to First Nations working on conservation, with a specific focus on First Nations Guardians, Species at Risk practitioners, First Nations with Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), Knowledge Keepers, youth, women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.
How to Attend Find out how to register, how to get there, and where to stay.
Registration
Space is limited. Once the venue reaches its maximum capacity, registration will be closed. It is recommended that delegates complete registration for the Gathering before making any travel arrangements. Registration can be completed at the following link:
For assistance with the online registration process, please contact the Registration Coordinator at [email protected].
Gathering Overview
All activities will be taking place at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre (MTCC), 50 Autwen Ma’sl Awti, Membertou, Nova Scotia, Canada, B1S 3W3.
The National Conservation Gathering will feature plenary sessions, interactive dialogues, and concurrent sessions and may include the following topics, among others:
- Fostering Partnerships and Alliances: Co-management and co-governance
- First Nations-led terrestrial and marine conservation
- IPCA and Guardian program establishment
- Advancing conservation economies
Gathering Program Overview:
Monday, October 6, 2025
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Gathering Pre-Registration open on 2nd Floor, MTCC
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Gathering Registration open
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Plenaries, Panel Presentations and Concurrent Sessions
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Networking Reception at MTCC
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Registration open
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Panel Presentations, Concurrent Sessions, Closing Plenary
Gathering Logistics
Corporate Traveller is the preferred travel agency of the AFN. Please contact Amy Brennan, Corporate Traveller, at 613-236-2444 or email her at [email protected] to make your own flight arrangements.
FLIGHT DISCOUNTS:
Air Canada
Please visit www.aircanada.com to make a booking online using the promotion code listed below.
Your Air Canada promotion code: AWHPW421
Applicable Rules:
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Sydney, Nova Scotia
- The travel period begins Sunday, September 28, 2025, and ends Thursday, October 16, 2025.
- Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- For North America, 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel, 10% on standard fares & higher.
- However, all bookings made using the promotion code will count toward the minimum 10-passenger requirement for Meetings and Conventions events.
Hotel Accommodations
The AFN has arranged room blocks for delegates with a limited number of rooms at the following hotels in Sydney:
- Holiday Inn Sydney – Waterfront:
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- Rate: $172 plus applicable taxes
- Book online at: IHG.com
- Book by phone: 1-902-567-7002
- Important: Book by September 6, 2025, to get the gathering rate.
- Simon Hotel, 380 Esplanade, Sydney, NS B1P 1B1:
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- Rate: $209 – $219 plus applicable taxes
- Book online at: thesimonhotelsydney.com
- Book by phone at: 1- 800-565-9466
- Important: Book by August 22, 2025, to get the gathering rate.
DEADLINE: Please note the booking deadline date of the hotel of your choice.
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] as soon as possible.
Contact Information
For assistance with online registration, contact the Registration Coordinator at [email protected].
General inquiries regarding the AFN National Conservation Gathering, please email [email protected].
Documents National Conservation Gathering Documents
The Assembly of First Nations is committed to making all our digital sites and products accessible for people living with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone while applying relevant accessibility standards: we strive to meet or exceed the W3C’s WCAG 2.1 Level AA for all our digital offerings.