This week, Chiefs from British Columbia convened on Treaty One territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 46th Annual General Assembly. Over the course of the three-day gathering, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on a wide range of critical issues affecting First Nations communities across the country.
Regional Chief Terry Teegee stated, “The AFN Annual General Assembly continues to serve as a forum for First Nations leadership to unite, strategize, and advocate for meaningful change and prosperity for First Nations peoples. Central to this momentum forward is the full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration Act) into federal laws, policies and decision-making processes. This requires ongoing collaboration with First Nations to co-develop frameworks that honour free, prior and informed consent, address systemic barriers, and create accountability mechanisms.”
Key topics addressed included the implications and implementation of the Building Canada Act, harm reduction strategies to combat substance abuse and address the ongoing toxic drug crisis, confronting systemic racism within the justice system, and advancing the development and autonomy of First Nations policing services. Significant attention was also given to long-term reforms in child welfare, focusing on ensuring culturally relevant and rights-based approaches.
Additional highlights featured a dedicated session on the repatriation of Indigenous cultural artifacts, directly linked to UNDRIP Article 11, emphasizing Indigenous peoples’ inherent rights to reclaim and protect their heritage. The Chiefs-in-assembly also discussed important matters concerning the AFN Charter and governance.
The event included prominent guest speakers such as Minister Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, who shared updates on government-Indigenous relations, as well as former Governor General Michaëlle Jean, who brought a wealth of experience and inspiration to the assembly.
During the three days, 17 resolutions were passed, most of which were adopted through omnibus baskets, reflecting collective consensus on advancing First Nations priorities.