About the Event National Natural Resources Forum
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will host its 3rd Annual Natural Resources Forum on February 1-4, 2027, in Montreal, Quebec.
The AFN National Natural Resources Forum invites First Nations Chiefs, community members, economic development and natural resources officers, technicians, industry representatives, government officials, non-government organizations, and thought leaders to engage in facilitated dialogue, networking, and information sharing on Natural Resources.
Under the theme “Meeting the Demand: Revitalizing Trade and Relations,” this forum builds on previous years, expanding the scope of discussion to international trade and global Indigenous-to-Indigenous relations.
Register NowHow to Attend Find out how to register, how to get there, and where to stay.
Objective
The third AFN National Natural Resources Forum will bring together First Nations leaders, Natural Resources Canada, and First Nations technical experts to receive important industry updates and engage in dialogue.
The objectives include exploring and showcasing supports and services for the inclusion of First Nations participation in the natural resources, energy, and forestry industries.
We invite you to join us as we continue advancing the following AFN Resolutions:
- AFN Resolution #38/2014, Support for the Development of a Report on Natural Resources
- AFN Resolution #55/2017, First Nations Energy Strategy
- AFN Resolution #02/2019, Advancing First Nations Clean Energy Leadership for Economic Development and Action on Climate Change
- AFN Resolution #56/2025, First Nations-led Critical Minerals Strategy
Who should attend the National Natural Resources Forum?
- First Nations Chiefs or their representatives in the natural resources, energy, forestry, or economic development sectors.
- First Nations organizations and technicians working in or interested in natural resources, energy, and forestry policies.
- Industry, academia, and other non-governmental entities involved in First Nations and natural resources, energy, and forestry issues.
- Federal, provincial, or territorial government representatives.
Background
In 2025, the AFN held the inaugural National Natural Resources Forum on March 12-13, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia under the theme “Empowering Future Generations through Self-Determination”.
In 2026, the AFN held the 2nd Annual National Natural Resources Forum on February 10-11, 2026 in Calgary, Alberta under the theme “Strengthening Our Sovereignty”.
Registration
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Early bird registrations received by January 4, 2027 and registered at one of our host hotes will be entered into a prize draw for attendees of the AFN National Natural Resources Forum.
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Register online at meetings.afn.ca. You will receive a confirmation email.
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Download and complete the registration form, email it to [email protected] or fax it to 613-241-5808.
Call for Presenters
The AFN has issued a Call for Sessions with a deadline of October 16, 2026.
Potential topics include:
- First Nations jurisdiction and the inherent right to self-determination in natural resource management and development.
- Trade and export readiness
- Best practices and case studies on:
- Sustainable Development
- Clean Energy and Technology
- Forestry
- Energy and Mining
- Legal, regulatory, and policy barriers to natural resource industry participation
- Project financing
- First Nation youth climate initiatives, activities, and actions.
For more information, see the Call for Presenters.
If you are interested in presenting at the AFN 3rd Annual National Natural Resources Forum, please complete the following Microsoft Form: https://forms.office.com/r/cbbrzaQ3jh
Agenda
The agenda is not available yet. Check back soon.
National Natural Resources Forum topics will include:
- Natural Resources Canada
- Facilitated Sessions
- Perspectives from leaders in the natural resources, energy, and forestry industries
Preliminary Program
Monday, February 1, 2027
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Forum Registration
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Forum Welcome Reception
Tuesday, February 2, 2027
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Forum Registration
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies, Plenaries, Panel Presentations and Concurrent Sessions
Wednesday, February 3, 2027
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Forum Registration
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies, Plenaries, Panel Presentations and Concurrent Sessions
Thursday, February 4, 2027
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Forum Registration
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies, Plenaries, Panel Presentations and Concurrent Sessions
Travel
Hotel and airline discount codes to be posted. Check back soon.
Trade Show
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is hosting a Trade Exhibition during the 3rd Annual National Natural Resources Forum on February 2-4, 2027. The Trade Exhibition is an excellent networking opportunity, allowing participants to discover new products and hear directly from organizational and industry experts.
Spaces are limited. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register, contact [email protected].
Sponsorship
We invite you to become a sponsor of the AFN National Natural Resources Forum. Forum attendees will include Chiefs and Councils, technicians, consultants, industry experts, academics, and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Sponsorship levels and associated benefits are outlined in six (6) categories. See the Sponsorship Package for full descriptions of each category.
For questions about sponsorship categories or to explore other ways to support this event, please contact: [email protected].
Contact Information
If you need assistance registering online, please email the AFN Registration Coordinator at [email protected]. For event-related inquiries, please email [email protected].
Accessibility
If you require ASL/SLQ, please contact us by December 14, 2026 at [email protected].
For questions about accessibility (disability) accommodations, please email [email protected].