News Stories The latest news from the Assembly of First Nations.
National Chief Bulletin: Update on Federal Bill to advance implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
SUMMARY: Since my last Bulletin, Minister of Justice David Lametti tabled Bill C-15, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act on December 3rd, 2020. This proposed legislation is the culmination of generations of advocacy by First Nations…
National Chief Bulletin – Update on federal engagement for a Bill to advance implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
SUMMARY In early October, the federal Department of Justice (DoJ) initiated an engagement process respecting a proposed federal Bill to advance implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration). The focus of federal engagement…
AFN Calls for Renewal of Residential School Survivors’ Mental Health Support Program, Set to Expire End of March 2021
(Ottawa, ON) – Today, the Assembly of First Nations released the Indian Residential School (IRS) Resolution Health Support Program Continuation Report. The report calls for the renewal of the IRS Resolution Health Support Program, due to expire on March 31,…
BULLETIN FROM THE NATIONAL CHIEF – Regarding the Protocol on the Indigenous Child and Family Services Act
SUMMARY: On July 7, 2020, National Chief Bellegarde signed a Protocol with Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller, which confirms a First Nations distinctions-based approach to implementing An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families. The…
ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS BULLETIN – AFN COVID-19 (C-19) National Task Force
SUMMARY: The AFN Executive Committee established the AFN COVID-19 (C-19) National Task Force to support the AFN Executive Committee by drawing on experts in the health, emergency management, communications and legal/policing sectors and other areas as required. The AFN C-19…
National Chief Perry Bellegarde Bulletin & Executive Motion on COVID-19 State of Emergency
SUMMARY: The AFN Executive Committee, led by National Chief Perry Bellegarde and comprised of Regional Chiefs from across the country, passed a motion on March 23 declaring a State of Emergency respecting First Nations and the COVID-19 pandemic. AFN leadership…
National Chief Perry Bellegarde Bulletin – Covid-19 and Canada’s Economic Response Plan
SUMMARY: The Prime Minister announced on March 18 the “Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan” which includes a number of areas that directly or indirectly impact First Nations. The announcement includes $305 million for an Indigenous Communities Support Fund.…
National Chief Perry Bellegarde Bulletin – March 13, 2020 – COVID-19 and First Nations
SUMMARY: National Chief had a conference call with Prime Minister Trudeau and federal Ministers on the COVID-19 pandemic and planning and preparedness that addresses the unique situation and needs of First Nations. National Chief emphasized the critical need for First…
National Chief Perry Bellegarde BULLETIN December 2019
Summary: The Assembly of First Nations held its Special Chiefs Assembly from December 3 - 5, 2019, on unceded Algonquin territory. 48 resolutions were passed and will be posted on the AFN website soon. Key commitments were made by federal…
Bulletin – Update on Speech from the Throne – National Chief Perry Bellegarde
December 2019 SUMMARY: The recent Throne Speech included a number of commitments to First Nations consistent with the AFN’s advocacy document Honouring Promises. It was the first Throne Speech to contain a specific section on “reconciliation.” The AFN and the…