(Ottawa, ON) – Hundreds of First Nations leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Women, Youth and Veterans from across Canada are joined virtually today through Thursday for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) hosted by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation this week. From December 7-9, AFN SCA delegates will discuss priorities, including efforts to reform First Nations child and family services, work toward distinctions-based health legislation, the assertion of fishing rights, and efforts toward an action plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, among others.
“I look forward to joining everyone virtually at this year’s Special Chiefs Assembly. Now is the time to build on progress and continue to make positive and evolutionary change for our children, families and communities. I look forward to a successful three days and will continue to stand with you, advocate with you, and support your plans for progress. Together, we will build a healing path forward for First Nations and all Canadians,” said AFN National Chief RoseAnne Archibald.
Notable highlights of the three-day Assembly include an address by the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, live opening remarks by National Chief RoseAnne Archibald and remarks by a number of federal ministers, including The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada.
The AFN Circle of Trade Virtual Exchange will be available to SCA participants to discover new products, initiatives and potential partnerships directly from industry experts in a number of areas.
Chiefs and delegates from across the country come together twice a year to set strategic direction based on First Nations needs and priorities. Chiefs Assemblies provide the venue for First Nations leaders to direct the work of the AFN, the National Chief and Executive Committee through resolutions.
A full agenda of the AFN Virtual Special Chiefs Assembly is available at: 21-10-21-SCA-2021-Provisional-Agenda_eng.pdf (afn.ca)
To register for the AFN Virtual Special Chiefs Assembly, please visit the AFN website: Special Chiefs Assembly 2021 | Assembly of First Nations (afn.ca)
The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations people in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.
Contact information:
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Assembly of First Nations
613-612-7229 (mobile)
[email protected]
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]