Our Work Advocating for First Nations people across Canada.
As a national advocacy organization for First Nations, the AFN seeks to advance First Nations Inherent and Treaty Rights through the development policy, public education and where applicable, the co-development of legislation to build First Nations capacity.
The AFN was created out of a desire among First Nations leadership for a strong and effective collective advocacy organization. From this, values such as respect for human rights, diversity, justice, and the sovereignty of each rights-holding First Nation guide the work of the organization.
The various policy areas the AFN engages in are determined by First Nations-In-Assembly, which meet twice a year to pass resolutions that decides the mandate of the organization. These mandates include advancing First Nations health, economies, the environment, education, languages, clean water, social development, infrastructure, among others.
With the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential institutions, the AFN is working to establish funding and resources for the recovery effort.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a recovery plan that overcomes the gaps in healthcare and infrastructures. The growth and diversity of First Nations is reflected within the AFN itself, through councils that respect accessibility and inclusion for 2SLGBTQ+ people, youth, women and Knowledge Keepers who carry and share our cultures.
Issue Updates
Browse AFN updates on key issues and activities.
Learn how we are addressing issues affecting First Nations and how our work is making a difference.
View Issue Update ReportsDocuments The resolutions that guide our work.
About Resolutions
Resolutions are the essential mechanism by which First Nations provide specific mandates and direction to the Assembly of First Nations.
The resolutions process serves to effectively foster and capture national consensus on significant policy matters and are considered at the Annual General Assembly or at the Special Chiefs Assembly. In 2019, the AFN Executive approved amendments to the Rules of Procedure for AFN assemblies to enhance efficiencies and decision-making at AFN assemblies.
Resolution Documents
These are the latest Assembly of First Nations Resolutions. To see more related documents, and all other public AFN documents, visit the Document Library.
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.