Assembly of First Nations National Justice Forum aimed at safe and secure First Nation communities

OTTAWA, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - A special ceremony honouring the families of Murdered and Missing Women will begin the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Justice Forum taking place in Vancouver next week.  The National Justice Forum, taking place February 21-23, will highlight priority areas for action in achieving safe, secure and thriving First Nation communities.

DATE:	Tuesday February 21, 2012
TIME:	9:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Westin Bayshore, Grand Ballroom 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver, BC

Expected to gather more than 500 delegates from across Canada, the AFN National Justice Forum will bring together national and regional Indigenous organizations and frontline justice workers, key stakeholders and representatives from the federal and provincial governments.

Delegates will be asked to engage in discussions that will lead to the development of a National Justice Strategy and action plan to ending violence against Indigenous women. Key speakers and presentations will showcase the importance of First Nation-driven solutions and engaging First Nations in achieving solutions that work for their communities. Specific areas of discussion will include community-based programs, diversion, sentencing and alternative measures, policing, crime prevention, courts and corrections.

Highlights include opening and closing remarks by AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo, presentations by RCMP representatives, including Commissioner Robert Paulson, the launch of an awareness campaign for missing children, presentation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and update on the Indian Residential Schools Agreement.

For a full agenda please visit:  http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/justice/justice-agenda.pdf

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

 

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or email [email protected]

Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email [email protected]