About the Event Planning for the implementation of the UN Declaration in Canada.
The Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly on the DRAFT United Nations Declaration National Action Plan (SCA) will take place April 3-6, 2023, in Ottawa, Ontario. The SCA will be held at the SHAW Centre located at 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 9J2.
Resolution 17/2021 directs the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to advocate for full and sufficiently resourced First Nations participation in the co-development of a National Action Plan (NAP) to implement the UN Declaration in Canada and align Canada’s laws, policies, and regulations with the UN Declaration (UNDA Section 5 and 6). It also directs the AFN to report back to the Chiefs in Assembly at every national gathering on the status of the NAP until it is made public, and explicitly calls for a dedicated SCA to be held before the tabling of the NAP by Canada on June 21, 2023.
Accordingly, the objective of this meeting is to provide Chiefs and technicians the opportunity to:
- Hear from the Government of Canada on Canada’s current draft National Action Plan, with opportunity for questions and debate; and,
- Review, debate, and recommend content and recommendations for inclusion in Canada’s final National Action Plan.
Agenda Four days of discussion and planning for a National Action Plan to implement the UN Declaration in Canada.
| Time | Session/Activity | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Pipe Ceremony |
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| 8:30 am | Registration |
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| 10:00 am | Chiefs’ Committees Meetings |
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| 12:00 pm | Wellness Break | |||
| 1:00 pm | Chiefs’ Committees Meetings |
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| 3:30 pm | Opening Protocols • Grand Entry • Opening Acknowledgement • Welcome to Territory Remarks: • National Chief RoseAnne Archibald Opening Remarks • Adoption of Rules of Procedures • Adoption of Agenda |
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| 4:30 pm | SCA 2022 Remaining Resolutions for discussion and debate • Children and Families • Economic Development • Languages and Education |
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| 6:00 pm | End of Day |
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| Time | Session/Activity | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Pipe Ceremony |
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| 8:30 am | Regional Caucus Sessions |
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| 10:00 am | SCA 2022 Remaining Resolutions for discussion and debate • Housing and Homelessness • Health |
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| 12:00 pm | Wellness Break | |||
| 1:00 pm | SCA 2022 Remaining Resolutions for discussion and debate • Lands, Environment and Fisheries • Justice and Policing |
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| 3:30 pm | Plenary: AFN Technical Briefing on Canada’s UNDA National Action Plan – Background and Context |
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| 5:00 pm | Plenary Presentations and Dialogue – Critical First Nations Content in the National Action Plan |
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| 6:00 pm | End of Day |
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| Time | Session/Activity | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Pipe Ceremony |
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| 8:00 am | Registration Regional Caucus Sessions |
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| 10:00 am | Plenary: Canada – Briefing Canada’s UNDA National Action Plan |
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| 11:00 am | Plenary Dialogue (continued) – Regional Perspectives: Key Themes and Content for the National Action Plan |
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| 12:00 pm | Wellness Break | |||
| 1:00 pm | Plenary Dialogue (continued) – Regional Perspectives: Key Themes and Content for the National Action Plan |
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| 6:00 pm | End of Day |
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| Time | Session/Activity | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Pipe Ceremony |
|||
| 8:30 am | Registration Regional Caucus Sessions |
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| 10:00 am | Plenary: UNDA NAP Overview / Next Steps |
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| 12:00 pm | Wellness Break | |||
| 1:00 pm | Guests (Ministers TBC) |
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| 3:00 pm | National Chief Closing Remarks Closing Prayer/Ceremony |
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How to Attend Find out how to register, how to get there, and where to stay.
Pre-Registration
PRE-REGISTRATION
Avoid the registration line-ups! There will be separate line-ups and a separate registration process for those that pre-register and pre-pay in advance of the Assembly.
PRE-REGISTRATION BONUS
All Assembly delegates are asked to register in advance on or before Monday April 3, 2023. So get your registration in TODAY and avoid the line ups!!
Where does your registration fee go?
Chiefs from across the country generally come together twice a year to set strategic direction based on community needs and priorities. The Chiefs Assemblies provide the venue for First Nation leaders to direct the work of the Assembly of First Nations, the National Chief and National Executive through resolution. It is just one way First Nation leaders bring forward the concerns and priorities of First Nation members.
Registration fees help to offset the direct costs of organizing Chiefs Assemblies, including facility rentals, audio/visual equipment, interpretation services, webcasting, registration services, facilitators, translation, signage, Elder honorarium, and drum groups.
Registration Process
Fees
- Chief/Proxy (Proxy letter required): Complimentary
- First Nation Citizen: $450.00
- Grand Chief: $450.00
- Band Councillor: $450.00
- Observer and Non-Government Organization: $800.00
- Other Governments: $800.00
- Senior Citizen (age 65 and older): $50.00
- Students (valid student card required): $50.00
- Veterans: Complimentary
- Elders: Complimentary
- Accredited Media: Complimentary
Photo identification will be requested at registration for Chiefs and Proxies.
All participants and groups are encouraged to pre-register and pre-pay, even if your registration is complimentary. There will be separate line-ups at the event for those who pre-register and pre-pay in advance of the Assembly.
- Register ONLINE at afn.ca. You will receive a confirmation email once registered. VISA, MasterCard and American Express accepted.
- Complete the registration form included in this notice and FAX it to Tash Cote at 613-241-5808 or by email to [email protected].
Registration forms and payment must be received before entry into the Assembly. You may also register on-site with your payment.
Please note that registration fees are non-refundable after March 24, 2023. An administration fee of $50 will apply for all cancellations prior to March 24, 2023.
Onsite pre-registration will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Shaw Centre on Level 3. For planning purposes and to avoid line-ups, all delegates are encouraged to pick up badges at this time
The Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly is a public event where photography, audio and video recording may occur. By attending the event, all delegates consent to the potential release and publication of photos and audio/video recordings from the event by the Assembly of First Nations.
Travel
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.
WESTJET
Applicable Rules
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa
- The travel period begins: 3/26/2023
- The travel period ends: 4/15/2023
- No discount will apply to Basic or Business class bookings.
Coupon Code: Guest web/Travel Agent web – 0F3K7XP
Promo Code: Travel Agent GDS only – YBD60
AIR CANADA
Applicable Rules
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa, YOW (ON)
- The travel period begins Sunday, March 26, 2023 and ends Saturday, April 15, 2023.
- 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 & higher.
- However, all bookings made using the promotion code will count toward the minimum 10 passenger requirement for Meetings and Conventions events.
Here is the code for the Air Canada travel discount: N8TDVQR1
Hotel Accommodations
The AFN has a block of hotel guestrooms at the following Ottawa hotels.
Ottawa Westin
11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa ON K1N 9H4
Tel: 613-560-7000
Deadline Date to Book: Friday, March 3, 2023
Rate:
Traditional (single/double) – $249.00
Deluxe (Parliament view – single/double)- $299.00
Suites (single/double) – $499.00 and up
Additional person – $40.00
Link to Book: Book your group rate for Assembly of First Nations – 2023
Novotel
33 Nicholas Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 9M7
Deadline Date to Book: Friday, March 3, 2023
Rate: $209.00
Reservations: (613) 230-3033
Toll Free: (855) 677-3033
Email: [email protected]
Quote Booking Code: 1161203 or Booking Name: Assembly of First Nations – April 2023
Les Suites
130 Besserer Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 9M9
Deadline Date to Book: Friday, February 17, 2023
Rate: One Bedroom Suites – $249.00
Executive King Suites – $279.00
Reservations: (613) 232-2000
Toll free: (800) 267-1989
Email: [email protected]
Quote Group Code: 32901 or Special Chiefs Assembly
Online:(https://www.reseze.net/servlet/WebresResDesk?hotelid=1743&groupId=32901&nightsStay=5&arrivalMonth=4&arrivalDay=2&arrivalYear=2023)
Lord Elgin
100 Elgin Street
Ottawa, ON K1P 5K8
Deadline Date to Book: Friday, March 10, 2023
Rate: Classic – $205.00
Parkview – $215
Reservations: 1-800-267-4298
Email: [email protected]
Quote Group Code: AFN Special Chiefs’ Assembly
Le Germain Hotel
30 Daly Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2
Deadline Date to Book: Friday, March 17, 2023
Rate: Classic – $279.00
Signature King – $299.00
Reservations: 613-691-3230
Toll Free: 1-833-503-0030
Quote Group Code: AFN Special Chiefs Assembly
Online: https://reservations.travelclick.com/102910?groupID=3794841
For all hotel reservations, please indicate that you are with the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly and utilize the conference code indicated for each hotel. Delegates are encouraged to make hotel reservations by the noted date to ensure accommodations are available at the price listed.
All expenses (travel, meals, guest rooms) with respect to attending the AFN SCA are the responsibility of the guest/group to cover and clear upon departure.
Sponsor Acknowledgements
If you are interested in being a sponsor to one of our events during the SCA-UNDA, please contact [email protected] or 613-241-6789.
Accessibility (Disability)
The Assembly of First Nations is honoured to host the Special Chiefs Assembly to enable persons of all abilities to participate fully and equally.
For questions about accessibility (disability) or to request support during the event, such as American Sign Language interpretation, interpretation Langue des Signes Québécoise, 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]. Requests should be made at least by March 24, 2023.
SCA-UNDA Information
Please visit the AFN website at www.afn.ca or contact the following individuals for more information:
SCA-UNDA Registration Inquiries
Tash Cote
Email: [email protected]
SCA-UNDA Coordinators
Joyce McDougall
Telephone: 613-241-6789, ext. 199
Fax: 613-241-5808
Email: [email protected]
Veronica Wemigwans
Telephone: 613-241-6789, ext. 146
Fax: 613-241-5808
Email: [email protected]
On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we look forward to seeing you in Ottawa!