AFN National Chief Atleo Calls on Unity to Drive Action for Change at Opening Day of Annual General Assembly

WHITEHORSE, July 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today addressed the AFN 34th Annual General Assembly in Whitehorse, Yukon by delivering a strong message of unity to all First Nations to support and respect one another as First Nations drive change and take action on their rights.

"Our goal, our strategy is to find the ways to empower and support one another as First Nations. Unity means, first and foremost, understanding and respecting our diversity.  It means we must listen and understand one another and drive towards our common values and shared interests and priorities," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo from Whitehorse today. "We are often united in opposition - we reject top-down approaches and one-size-fits-all attitudes.  But knowing what we oppose is only half the fight.  We must set our own agenda and we must make it happen. We have a lot of hard work ahead. We will respect and listen to one another. We will chart clear strategies to support one another's efforts to drive change."

Gathering under the theme "Our Nations, Our Rights, Our Future: Empowering Our Citizens to Drive Change", hundreds of delegates are taking part in council meetings, strategy sessions and full discussions on issues and resolutions to set the course for the coming months. Critical issues such as education, Treaty Implementation, community infrastructure (including water and housing), displacing the Indian Act with First Nations solutions, strategies on natural resources in traditional territories, justice and community safety and many others are being discussed over the next three days.  The Assembly also features special events, awards of honour and recognition and ceremony reflecting the growing movement among First Nations across the country for action and change based on inherent and Aboriginal rights, title and Treaties.

"We gather, as always, facing critical and urgent issues that command our attention and demand action," said National Chief Atleo.  "We gather knowing that it is our time to stand strong on our rights, our title and our Treaties. And we gather knowing that it is time to stand strong together."

To view National Chief Atleo's address to AGA delegates and an open letter to Treaty Nations assembled in Treaty 6 territory please visit www.afn.ca.

The AFN's 34^th Annual General Assembly started on July 16 and will end on July 18 in Whitehorse, Yukon.  Plenary sessions are webcasted on the AFN website at www.afn.ca.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.  Follow #AFNAGA for all Assembly updates and highlights.

SOURCE: Assembly of First Nations

Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director 613-292-2787 or [email protected]

Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer 613-314-8157 or [email protected]

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-292-0857 or [email protected]