News Stories The latest news from the Assembly of First Nations.
Budget 2018 Makes Essential Investments in First Nations Children and Investments to Strengthen First Nations Governments
February 27, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde says today’s federal budget marks the third year of continued, sustained investment in First Nations. These investments provide greater safety and security for First Nations children,…
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde Congratulates Newly Elected AFN Alberta Regional Chief Marlene Poitras
February 23, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today congratulated the new AFN Alberta Regional Chief Marlene Poitras, elected in Enoch First Nation on February 22, 2018. “I congratulate AFN Alberta Regional Chief…
Broken Systems Failed Tina Fontaine – Murder Trial Verdict Another Severe Setback for Justice and Reconciliation
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde says today’s verdict finding Raymond Cormier not guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Tina Fontaine is a shock and another profound disappointment for First Nations across the…
Educators from Across Canada to Gather for National First Nations Directors of Education Forum: AFN National Chief to Provide Opening Remarks
February 20, 2018 MEDIA ADVISORY (Ottawa, ON): Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde will make opening remarks at the start of a two-day national forum on First Nations education. DATE: Wednesday February 21, 2018 TIME: 9:00 a.m.…
AFN National Chief Bellegarde Says New Approach for Rights Implementation Essential, First Nations Engagement Crucial
(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Trudeau of a new approach to rights recognition and implementation to be developed “in full partnership” with First Nations, including new mechanisms…
Proposed Changes to Environmental Assessments Welcomed, Continued Engagement with First Nations Required
February 8, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today welcomed proposed new legislation on environmental assessments, stating that with full and effective engagement with First Nations the AFN will seek every opportunity to further…
Statement from National Chief Perry Bellegarde on Second Reading of Bill 262, An Act to Harmonize Canada’s laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
February 8, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde released the following statement following the second reading of Bill 262 – an Act to harmonize Canada’s laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights…
Immediate Relief Essential in Moving Forward on Child Welfare Reform; CHRT Issues Fourth Ruling to Canada
February 1, 2018 February 1,2018 CHRT Decision (Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today said immediate relief for First Nations children and families must be the next urgent step in child welfare reform, and the…
NATIONAL CHIEF PERRY BELLEGARDE BULLETIN – Emergency Meeting on First Nations, Inuit and Métis Child and Family Services
January 30, 2018 First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments Meeting on Child Welfare Reform On January 25 and 26, First Nations leaders, Elders and child welfare experts and advocates gathered with Métis and Inuit leadership and…
United Effort, Prevention are Keys to Fixing First Nations Child Welfare Systems National Chief Bellegarde Advises Emergency Meeting
January 29, 2018 (Ottawa, ON) – Following a two-day emergency meeting of federal, provincial and territorial governments and First Nation, Métis and Inuit leaders and experts, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde said there is no excuse…