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 to advance First Nations priorities based on Treaty rights and inherent rights, title and jurisdiction.
AFN AGA delegates will gather under the theme “Our Priority: Our Children Our Future”, reflecting the reality that the work at the AGA is for the children and future generations based on closing the gap and building stronger First Nations families, communities and governments. Delegates will assess progress over the past year, identify priorities for the coming year and set strategy for action and change.
The AGA Grand Entry will take place Tuesday, July 25 at 8:30 a.m. AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde will deliver his opening address at approximately 9:40 a.m. Tuesday, July 25. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Ms. Victoria Tauli Corpuz, will speak on Tuesday, July 25. A number of federal cabinet ministers are scheduled to address the Assembly on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Commissioners from the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls will address the Assembly. Agenda highlights are attached.
A detailed agenda (subject to change) is available on the AFN website at: http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/17-07-14_afn_38th_aga_-_draft_provisional_agenda.pdf
The main plenary of the AGA will be webcast on the AFN website at www.afn.ca
There is no cost to accredited media to attend and media can register onsite but are encouraged to register in advance through the AFN Communications contacts on this advisory.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow the #AFNAGA on Twitter @AFN_Updates.
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Contact information:
Alain Garon
AFN Bilingual Communications Officer
613-292-0857
[email protected]
Michael Hutchinson
Communications Officer
613-299-6330 (cell)
[email protected]