(Ottawa, ON) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has concluded a three-day Annual General Assembly (AGA), reaffirming a commitment to advance the priorities of rights holders from coast to coast to coast.
More than 2500 First Nations leaders, citizens and observers gathered on the territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh this week for the 43rd AFN AGA. Discussion and decision-making took place on key priorities that advance First Nations rights and self-determination, strengthen nations and promote equity for First Nations.
AFN First Nations-in-Assembly reaffirmed a direction forward with rights recognition, healing, justice and First Nations children and families at the core. Chiefs and proxies passed five resolutions, which topics include transparency and accountability, Charter renewal, strategic direction and action toward evolutionary and positive change, reform to the First Nations Child and Family Services Program (FNCFSP) and Jordan’s Principle and support for the AFN Women’s Council mandate and funding. First Nations-in-Assembly reaffirmed support for National Chief RoseAnne Archibald.
Other highlights included the announcement of a $20 billion final settlement agreement to compensate First Nations children and families discriminated against in the federal First Nations Child and Family Services Program, a call by the AFN Women’s Council for accountability for the death of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation member Chantel Moore, a blanket ceremony for the family of missing Red Earth Cree Nation five-year-old Frank Young, and an honouring ceremony for the delegation of survivors, leaders, youth and knowledge keepers who met with Pope Francis earlier this year.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.
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Contact information:
Lori Kittelberg
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
604-340-3117 (mobile)
[email protected]
Kelly Reid
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
613-292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]
Paige Hanson
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
613-402-4349 (mobile)
[email protected]