Assembly of First Nations National Chief Supports Federal Government’s Nation-to-Nation Approach

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Supports Federal
Government’s Nation-to-Nation Approach

February 25, 2016

(Ottawa, ON):  Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde stated today that the AFN supports the federal government’s decision to work with the recognized representative organizations of the Indigenous peoples of this land at the upcoming meeting with First Ministers on Climate Change in Vancouver on March 2.

“This land is home to distinct sets of Indigenous peoples – the Inuit, Metis and First Nations,” said National Chief Bellegarde.  “Inuit, Metis and First Nations hold a distinct status and distinct rights as peoples, recognized in Canada’s Constitution and international law.  The law requires that Indigenous peoples be represented and included in any discussions by federal, provincial and territorial governments that could affect their rights or their peoples.  The AFN is the representative organization for First Nations for national level meetings that could affect our collective rights as peoples.  First Nations are rights-holders, and AFN represents the rights holders.  We fully support the decision by the federal government to engage with the AFN, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Metis National Council in First Ministers Meetings and other forums.”

The AFN is the nationally recognized organization representing First Nations in Canada.  First Nations leaders, duly selected by their citizens, gather to set direction for the AFN.  The National Chief, the spokesperson for the AFN, is elected by First Nations Chiefs who are, in turn, selected by their citizens to represent them.  AFN governance includes Regional Chiefs from all regions and the AFN Elders Council, Women’s Council and Youth Council.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates

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For more information please contact:

Jenna Young Castro AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext. 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext. 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca