News Stories The latest news from the Assembly of First Nations.
National Chief Welcomes Step Toward Distinctions-Based Health Legislation for First Nations
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde welcomes today’s announcement by Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller to engage with First Nations and Indigenous leaders to transform the health system in Canada. Minister Miller today announced…
National Chief Calls for Immediate Engagement with First Nations to Address Racism in Canada’s Health Systems
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde reiterated recommendations and called for urgency in addressing systemic racism in Canada’s health care systems at a two-day virtual meeting with federal, provincial and territorial ministers and Metis…
National Chief welcomes federal investment in Indigenous Covid-19 response
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde welcomes today’s announcement by Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller to invest in Indigenous communities to better respond to COVID-19. The investment comes after a January 7 letter from National…
National Chief Pleased With Thunder Bay Verdict Ruling Brayden Bushby Guilty of Manslaughter
(Ottawa, ON) – National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations said today’s verdict in the trailer hitch manslaughter case is a welcome surprise. “This is a significant verdict for First Nations and a wonderful day for Canadian…
First Nations leaders and delegates to gather virtually Tuesday and Wednesday for the 41st AFN Annual General Assembly
(Ottawa, ON) – For the first time, hundreds of First Nations Chiefs, leaders, Elders and youth are gathering virtually on December 8-9, 2020 for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly (AGA). This year’s theme, “All Our Relations:…
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…
Federal bill to implement un declaration “a positive step toward healing the wounds of racism and injustice” says National Chief Perry Bellegarde
(Ottawa, ON) – National Chief Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) welcomed the tabling of a federal bill to advance implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “The bill tabled today contains key…
AFN National Chief Bellegarde discouraged by Canada’s Announcement that clean water targets will be missed
(Ottawa, ON) – AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde says First Nations are frustrated, yet not surprised, by today’s announcement from Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller, confirming that Canada will not be able to lift all First Nations long-term drinking water…
The Assembly of First Nations Knowledge Keepers Council supports the rights of Mi’kmaq people to assert their Treaty Right to Fish within their Territory
October 22, 2020 The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Knowledge Keepers are sending their support to the Mi’kmaq people who are exercising their right to fish and earn a modest living as supported by the Peace and Friendship Treaties from…
AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde says Canada’s fall economic statement is a strong plan for post-pandemic recovery
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde released this statement today following the release of the Government of Canada’s Fall Economic Statement by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland: “Canada’s Fall Economic Statement signals a strong plan…
