(December 19, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) — The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has signed 34 resolutions passed by First Nations-in-Assembly during the Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) held this month. These include Resolution 63/2024, Call for a National Inquiry into Systemic Racism in Policing and First Nations, and Resolution 90/2024, Safeguarding First Nations Children and Holding Canada Accountable for Its Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Legal Obligations.
“We recognize the leadership of Chiefs from coast to coast to coast for the work they have done in preparing these resolutions and presenting them at the Assembly,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “With unprecedented high attendance at our July, October, and December Assemblies, it is great to see the AFN alive, well, and full of passion for the right reasons. Today, the AFN is energized by diverse opinions and unified behind a common belief that First Nations families must be empowered to care for our own children.”
Now signed, these and other resolutions are considered final and will guide the work of the AFN moving forward. The full resolutions package is available on the AFN website.
“As was clear at this month’s Assembly, the AFN is also united in the call for a national inquiry into the high rate of First Nation deaths in the custody of colonial police forces,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “During the holiday season, our thoughts and prayers will be with the families and communities mourning loved ones who have died in police custody this past year. Ensuring First Nations policing is recognized as an essential service with long-term funding will also remain a top priority in 2025.”
“As I conclude my first year as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, I want to thank the AFN Executive, Chiefs across the country, and the AFN staff for their leadership, advice, and support over the past 12 months,” concluded the National Chief. “We are witnessing a shift in this country, and we are all part of it. There is much work ahead on our journey to reconciliation, but by strengthening our relations and staying united, First Nations can achieve anything.”
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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.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]
Cherish Francis
Deputy Chief of Staff
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]