(Kanien’kehá:ka Nation/Montréal, PQ) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) held its 45th Annual General Assembly this week, July 9th to 11th, 2024. This year’s theme for the AGA was “Strengthening Our Relations,”. This important event brought together Chiefs, leaders, youth, knowledge keepers, veterans, women, and community members to engage in crucial discussions and decisions regarding the pressing issues impacting First Nations communities across Canada. Notably, 85 Chiefs and proxies from British Columbia joined the Assembly in Montréal.
“The AFN’s yearly gathering brings together First Nations leaders from across Canada to work together on the urgent political, social, cultural and economic issues, including implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, MMIWG2S+, climate emergency, reforms in policing and justice, housing and homelessness, preservation and maintenance of languages, and so much more, that tremendously impact and challenge our communities, and members who live off reserve,” stated Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “I am grateful to the leaders from BC who travelled the long distance to attend this event as together we hold each other up as we tackle this heavy work.”
During the three days of the Assembly, a total of 54 resolutions were passed.
On the first day of the AGM, the AFN honoured Lieutenant General Jocelyn Paul and Haida Gwaii leaders – Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President of the Haida Nation, and Billy Yavanovich, Chief Councillor, Skidegate Band Council. The next day featured guest speaker Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and guest speaker Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor on Water. On the third day and final day of the AGM, guest speakers included Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, who addressed the First Nations-in-Assembly for the first time, and Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democratic Party.
Also, on the final day of the event, the AFN held a press conference announcing the federal government's offer to finalize reform of First Nations child and family services worth $47.8 billion over 10 years. This is a historic turning point for First Nations children and families after a lengthy, complex process that involved many parties. A Special Chiefs Assembly on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program will be held September 17 – 19, 2024, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.