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AFN National Virtual Forum on Advancing the MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Virtual Forum on Advancing the MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice was held on March 20, 2025. The forum, themed “Prevention of Human Trafficking and Sexual Trafficking,” aimed to raise awareness, conduct national engagement, inform the AFN’s advocacy, and support the development of indicators for the AFN’s Calls for Justice Progress Report.
The forum had over 270 registrants and included a full day of presentations and panel discussions. Topics included preventative strategies, the specific vulnerabilities faced by 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and cross-jurisdictional and international coordination. Opening remarks were delivered by AFN Regional Chief Wendell LaBobe, followed by remarks from key speakers, including Teddy Manywounds.
The forum builds on the AFN’s ongoing work through “Breathing Life into the Calls for Justice: An Action Plan to End Violence Against First Nations Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People” and the 2024 “Progress on Breathing Life into the Calls for Justice: A CFJ Progress Report.” A summary report outlining key findings and recommendations from the forum is in development and will be publicly available once complete.
AFN National Justice Forum on the Revitalization of First Nations Laws and Legal Orders
From April 2-3, 2025, the AFN and the BC First Nations Justice Council co-hosted the National Justice Forum on the Revitalization of First Nations Laws and Legal Orders. The forum was held in Vancouver and online and brought together over 300 participants, including Chiefs and leadership, First Nations delegates, legal professionals, government and corporate representatives, non-profit organizations, students, and youth.
The agenda featured plenary remarks and presentations from BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee, Kory Wilson, Loretta Jeff-Combs, Dr. Darcy Lindberg, and Boyd Peters. Concurrent sessions explored key areas such as jurisdiction, legislative drafting, adjudication, and enforcement. Discussions highlighted the importance of revitalizing First Nations laws and legal orders in ways that reflect the diversity of First Nations and their distinct cultures, languages, and legal traditions. Participants emphasized that this work is to be led by First Nations and inclusive of Elders, youth, women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Participants also identified the need for long-term, sustainable funding and investments in capacity development to support First Nations in exercising jurisdiction and advancing their own legal systems.
The AFN will be developing a summary report in the coming days and will post it, along with several of the informative presentations from the forum, on the AFN website at www.afn.ca. Stay tuned for details.
Postponed – AFN National Justice Forum on Reform of Justice Systems
The AFN National Justice Forum on Reform of Justice Systems, originally scheduled for May 28–29, 2025, has been postponed to November 5–6, 2025. Given the timing of the federal election and other AFN events during the same period, the decision was made to postpone the Forum to allow for full participation and focused discussion on the reform of justice systems.
This forum will focus on identifying pathways to reform existing justice systems and advance the First Nations component of the Indigenous Justice Strategy. It will also showcase community justice programs, Gladue programs, wrap-around supports, and healing lodges that are leading the way in reforming the justice system. Further information will be shared on the AFN website at www.afn.ca.
For media inquiries, contact:
Ayman Hammamieh
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
343-573-1771 (mobile)