About the Event Special Chief Assembly
December 3-5, 2024
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) will be held on December 3-5, 2024, at the Rogers Centre, on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation, in Ottawa, Ontario. Dialogue sessions will be conducted on December 2, 2024. The Rogers Centre (formally Shaw Centre) is located at 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 9J2.
Register NowPre-Registration Bonus
Delegates who pre-register by December 2, 2024, will be entered into a bonus draw. Register today to avoid long lines!
Event Materials Download meeting documents and presentations.
How to Attend Find out how to register, how to get there, and where to stay.
Electronic Voting
All voting at the upcoming Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) on December 3-5, 2024, will be conducted electronically, both for in-person and virtual registered Chiefs and Proxies.
The AFN has developed a step-by-step guide to assist Chiefs and Proxies with the electronic voting process, available here: Guide for Chiefs and Proxies – Electronic Voting at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA).
Step-by-Step Voting Instructions for Chiefs and Proxies
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- Chiefs and Proxies must upload government-issued photo identification (e.g., status card, driver’s license, passport) to verify their identity.
- Each Chief or Proxy must provide an email address to access the AFN Electronic Voting Platform.
- Proxies must also upload a proxy letter signed by the Chief to complete the verification process.
- Once the information is submitted and verified, confirmation emails will be sent to all registered participants.
- Verified Chiefs and Proxies will receive a six-digit passcode during the registration process, which will be required to cast votes on the AFN Electronic Voting Platform.
- Virtual participants will also receive a private Zoom link (for the session only and not for voting). This link is specific to registered Chiefs and proxies.
- On-Site Registration
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- Chiefs and proxies registering on-site will follow the same process as pre-registered participants.
- Once verified using their government-issued photo ID and email address, they will receive a pre-assigned six-digit passcode during the registration process, which will be required to cast votes on the AFN Electronic Voting Platform.
- On-site registrants must also check in at the registration desk to activate their voting access.
- Check-in Before the Assembly
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- Verified Chiefs and Proxies, both in-person and virtual, must check-in with the registration desk prior to the start of the assembly.
- Access to the AFN Electronic Voting Platform will be activated via email only after the check-in process is completed.
- How to Cast Your Vote
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- When the voting period opens, a link to the AFN Electronic Voting Platform and confirmation code will be emailed to each registered Chief and Proxy.
- If you do not receive your link, contact the Help Desk immediately at 1-833-236-8324 or [email protected].
- Click the link in the email to access the AFN Electronic Voting Platform.
- Select your option on the resolution:
- For/In Support (in favour)
- Oppose (against)
- Abstain (choose not to vote)
- Submit your vote. Once submitted, the vote is encrypted and stored securely in the AFN Electronic Voting Platform’s database.
- After submitting, your email will be flagged as “voted,” ensuring you cannot vote again.
Additional resources include:
- An on-site support room with technical staff for troubleshooting and assistance.
- Charging stations and electrical outlets throughout the venue.
- Chiefs and Proxies can reach the Help Desk by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-833-236-8324 for assistance before and during the event.
If you experience any technical difficulties or have questions regarding the registration or voting process, please contact the AFN Help Desk at [email protected] or 1-833-236-8324.
Registration
Where does your registration fee go?
Registration fees help to offset the direct costs of organizing Chiefs Assemblies, including facility rentals, audio/visual equipment, interpretation services, webcasting, registration services, facilitators, translation, signage, Elder honorarium, and drum groups.
Registration Process
Photo identification is required at registration for Chiefs, proxies, and students. All participants and groups are encouraged to pre-register and pre-pay, even for complimentary registrations. Separate line-ups will be available at the event for those who complete pre-registration and payment in advance of the Assembly.
- Register Online Here. Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation email. VISA, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted.
- Register by Form: Complete the registration form included in this notice and fax it to Tash Cote at 613-241-5808 or email it to [email protected].
Registration forms and payments must be submitted before entry into the Assembly. On-site registration and payment are also available. Please note that registration fees are non-refundable after November 22, 2024. An administration fee of $50 will apply for cancellations made before this date.
Pre-registration will take place on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Rogers Centre. To avoid waiting in line, delegates are encouraged to pick up their badges during this time.
Fees
| Chief/Proxy (Proxy Letter required) | Complimentary |
| First Nations Citizen, Councilor, Grand Chief, Hereditary Chief | $450.00 |
| Observer and Non-Government Organization | $800.00 |
| Observer and Non-Government Organization | $800.00 |
| Senior Citizen (age 65 and older): | $50.00 |
| Student (valid student card required): | $50.00 |
| Veteran | Complimentary |
| Elder | Complimentary |
| Accredited Media | Complimentary |
Ottawa Tourism - Flash Your Badge
Experience the most of Ottawa for less with incredible discounts, valid for you and a guest. Simply present your SCA event badge at participating businesses to enjoy.
Hotel Accommodations
The AFN has reserved blocks of guestrooms at several hotels for the event. Please mention the 2024 AFN Special Chiefs Assembly when booking to secure the best rate. Make reservations by the cut-off dates to ensure availability; bookings after these dates will be at full price. All travel, meals, and guestroom expenses are the responsibility of the guest or group and must be settled upon departure.
1. Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON, K1N 8S7
Telephone: 613-241-1414
Deadline to Book: November 3, 2024
Rates:
• Fairmont – $319
• Fairmont Gold – $419
Reservation Link: Book the Group Rate for AFN Special Chiefs Assembly
2. Le Germain Hotel
Location: 30 Daly Avenue, Ottawa ON, K1N 6E2
Telephone: 1-888-873-0829
Rate: $269.99
Reservation Link: Book the Group Rate for AFN Special Chiefs Assembly
3. Delta Ottawa City Centre
Location: 101 Lyon Street, Ottawa ON, K1R 5T9
Telephone: 1-888-239-4756
Deadline to Book: October 24, 2024
Rate: $229.00
Reservation Link: Book the Group Rate for AFN Special Chiefs Assembly
4. Les Suites
Location: 130 Besserer Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9M9
Reservations: (613) 232-2000
Toll free: (800) 267-1989
Deadline to Book: October 24, 2024
Rate: Modern One Bedroom Suites: $289/night (single/double occupancy)
Modern Two Bedroom Suites: $429/night (single/double occupancy)
Click here for AFN Special Chiefs Assemble Preferred Rates!
Travel
Indigeno Travel is the preferred travel agency of the AFN. Indigeno Travel is Indigenous-owned, and its service comes complete with conference discounts, 24/7 emergency service for unforeseen flight changes, and a dedicated agent for personalized service. Please contact Indigeno, toll-free at 1.800.267.8973, or by email at [email protected] to make your flight arrangements. To assist you better you can complete this form, and someone will contact you.
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Air Canada
Applicable Rules
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa, YOW (CA)
- The travel period begins on Monday, November 25, 2024, and ends on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
- Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
- For North America’ 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares and higher. For International Travel’ 10% on standard fares and higher.
Promotional Code: R3K43M61
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WestJet
Applicable Rules
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa, ON
- The travel period begins: 11/25/2024
- The travel period ends: 12/12/2024
Coupon Code: Guest web/Travel Agent web – 8M2W9CT
Promo Code: Travel Agent GDS – YBO86
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VIA Rail
Conference Code: 14502
- Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines is proud to offer up to 10% discount on available base fares( with the exception of the lowest class fare during a public seat sale) for travel to and from the Special Chiefs Assembly 2024. The discounted fares are available for booking from October 29, 2024 to December 01,2024 and available for travel:
Location: Dates of Travel:
From: All Markets – To: Ottawa(YOW) From: 29Nov24-To: 04Dec24
From: Ottawa(YOW) – To: All Markets From: 02Dec24-To: 07Dec24
Please book online at https://www.flyporter.com/en-ca/?promocode=SCA024 or through your travel agent using promo code “SCA024“
Documents
- Special Chiefs Assembly 2024 – Registration Package
- Proxy Letter
- Conference Booklet
- Concurrent Dialogue Sessions
- Registration Package
- Draft On-Time Resolutions Package
- Electronic Voting Guide
- Dialogue Session Agenda
- Attachment #1 – Cindy Blackstock-Caring Society Presentation December 2024
- Attachment #2 – Caring Society Presentation – NCCC TOR
- Attachment #3 – Caring Society Presentation – Negotiation Team TOR
Resolutions
Sponsors
If you are interested in sponsoring an event at the SCA, please contact [email protected].
AFN Circle of Trade Show
The AFN Circle of Trade will take place from December 3-5, 2024, offering excellent networking opportunities among First Nations, organizations, businesses, and government. For more information or to register, contact [email protected].
Exhibitor
- AFN Justice Sector
- AFOA
- Archipel Research & Consulting
- Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
- Centre d’Innovation des Premiers Peuples
- Chelsea Hotel Toronto
- Elections Canada
- First Nation Child and Family Caring Society
- First Nations Bank of Canada
- First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement
- First Nations Financial Management Board
- First Nations Tax Commission
- First Nations Veterans Council/Veterans Affairs Canada
- First Peoples Law LLP
- Foyston, Gordon & Payne Inc.
- Future Generations Foundation
- Former National Chief George Erasmus
- Growcer
- Helmets to Hardhats Canada
- Indian Boarding Homes Class Action Settlement
- Indigenous & Community Engagement
- Indigenous Sport Unit – Sport Canada
- Indigenous Tech.ai Corporation
- Indspire
- Kanoke Consulting
- Line 3 Indigenous Advisory & Monitoring Committee
- National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC)
- Nvision Insight Group Inc.
- PCL/ED a Joint Venture
- Peace Hills Trust
- STEELBUILT CORP
- Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice
- The First Nations Information Governance Centre
- Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
- Triodetic
- Triplepoint Solutions
- Wabano
- Yänonchia’
Artisan
- Boogzees
- Bruno Henry
- Dreamcatcher Promotions
- Eagle Spirit Gifts
- Gail Chamberlain
- GOTribalwear
- Handmade by Evelyn Turner
- Ironstar Co.
- James Bay Arts & Crafts
- Jamie Metallic Designs
- Jeff Ross
- Kokom Scrunchies
- Moonstone Creation
- Nimis Design
- Rombough Creations
- Save Rez Dogs
- Sugarbear
- SunHeart Designs
- Swirling Wind
- Tammy Beauvais Designs
- Teekca’s Boutique
- Tendesi Woodwork
- Three Trees Art
- Tracey Metallic Designs
- Tribalure Cosmetics & Skincare
- Turtle Island Arts & Crafts
- Wolf Pack Apparel
Winter Gala
Parliamentary Reception
A parliamentary reception will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Please visit the AFN website (www.afn.ca) for details.
SCA Contact Information
For more information, please visit the AFN website (www.afn.ca) or email the following:
Registration Information: [email protected]
Circle of Trade Show: [email protected]
Sponsorship: [email protected]
Accessibility (Disability): [email protected]
SCA Coordination: Joyce McDougall, [email protected]
Accessibility
The AFN is committed to ensuring full and equal participation for all attendees. For accessibility support or to request services such as American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) interpretation, reserved seating for mobility device users, or access to a quiet room for sensory processing needs, contact [email protected] by November 11, 2024.
Documents Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly Documents
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