Assembly of First Nations 33rd Annual General Assembly Welcomes More than 3000 Delegates, Reaffirms Direction Forward

OTTAWA, July 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Over 3000 delegates gathered in Toronto last week for the 33^rd Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly, where more than 500 First Nation leaders reaffirmed a direction forward re-electing National Chief Shawn Atleo and engaging in focused dialogue and strategy sessions for action in First Nation priority areas.  National Chief Atleo will take forward the clear and focused mandate as reaffirmed by Chiefs-in-Assembly last week to the Council of the Federation taking place in Halifax, Nova Scotia this week.

"On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I offer thanks and congratulations to all those that participated in our 33^rd Annual General Assembly, proudly hosted and welcomed by the Mississaugas of New Credit and the AFN AGA 2012 Host Committee," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.  "First Nations from across Canada have reaffirmed a direction forward, and I look forward to continuing to support and take forward a refreshed and reaffirmed mandate from First Nations from coast to coast to coast."

During the three-day Annual General Assembly, First Nation leaders and technicians engaged in strategy sessions on critical areas for action, including achieving safety and security for Indigenous women and girls, water and infrastructure, education and resource development.  Chiefs-in-Assembly passed 28 resolutions that will continue to mandate the work of the AFN and national executive.  An additional six resolutions have been referred to AFN national executive for consideration.

Special recognition and honours were awarded to the late Dr. Harold Cardinal for Treaty Rights Recognition, Jessica Yee for Youth Advocacy and Dayna McKay for Health Advocacy.  The AFN Circle of Trade Show showcased 150 companies and organizations.

There were a number of special side events, including the IndigenACTION 5k Friendship Walk/Run and a number of cultural and commemorative events, including a memorial service honouring First Nation contributions to the War of 1812.

First Nations were engaged like never before, including over 500 people tuning in to a live web cast and thousands watching live media coverage and engaging in social media networks.

National Chief Atleo was re-elected for a second term as AFN National Chief July 18, 2012 on the third ballot. Below is a breakdown of election results adopted by motion and approved by consensus by Chiefs-in-Assembly immediately following the election.

2012 AFN Election Results:

	Total	AB	BC	MB	NB	NL	NS	NT	ON	PE	QC	SK	YT
Registered Chiefs & Proxies	553	32	173	60	15	2	13	18	127	2	35	64	12
Ballot Round 1	540	32	170	57	15	2	13	16	125	2	35	61	12
Ballot Round 2	535	32	172	56	15	2	13	18	121	2	32	60	12
Ballot Round 3	512	29	169	58	13	2	11	17	116	2	30	53	12

Candidate	Ballot Round 1	Ballot Round 2	Ballot Round 3
Shawn Atleo	284	318	341
Pam Palmater	95	107	141
Bill Erasmus	29	34	30
Diane M. Kelly	39	34	X
Terrance Nelson	35	25	X
Ellen Gabriel	33	17	X
Joan Jack	20	X	X
George Stanley	5	X	X
Total Votes	540	535	512

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

SOURCE: ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS

Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or [email protected]

Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or [email protected]