Assembly of First Nations Releases Detailed Agenda for 2013 Annual General Assembly - "Our Nations, Our Rights, Our Future: Empowering Our Citizens to Drive Change"

OTTAWA, July 5, 2013 /CNW/ - The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) today released a detailed agenda for its 34^th Annual General Assembly to be held in Whitehorse, Yukon from July 16-18, with preliminary meetings starting July 13.

AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said: "First Nations are looking forward to an AGA with an active and engaging agenda that includes discussion and strategy sessions on the key, critical issues facing our people. This is a comprehensive and interactive agenda that will set the strategic direction and priorities for the coming months. This is a time of unprecedented engagement and mobilization of First Nations and we must continue the momentum of driving change by our peoples, for our peoples."

The theme of the AFN's 34^th Annual General Assembly - "Our Nations, Our Rights, Our Future: Empowering Our Citizens to Drive Change" - reflects the growing movement among First Nations across the country acting for change based on inherent and Aboriginal rights and title and the Treaties. The agenda identifies discussions and strategy sessions on important issues like Education, Treaty Implementation, Strategies on Natural Resources in Traditional Territories (including the impacts of amendments in Bills C-38 and C-45, shale gas fracking and others), Community Safety and Ending Violence, Housing, Water and Infrastructure and many others.

Confirmed speakers and panel participants include Jim Prentice on Canada's Imperative to Support First Nations Sustainability and Growth; key Yukon leaders on their success in driving solutions as well as activist Marilyn Jensen on leadership and citizens driving change; Dr. Leroy Littlebear of Lethbridge University on First Nations Education; Dr. Wilton Littlechild on International Efforts and Opportunities and remarks by First Nations leaders.

"I thank our hosts, the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council, for welcoming us into their territory and I look forward to an energizing meeting with First Nations leaders and citizens from coast to coast to coast," said National Chief Atleo.

The AFN National Executive supported a motion for Yukon region to host the 2013 AGA in February 2010.  The first announcement of this was at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly in December 2010.  The agenda is available on the AFN website (www.afn.ca) at www.afn.ca/uploads/files/aga2013/agenda.pdf. The Host First Nations, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council Committee, and the Host Committee will be providing more information about local events related to the Assembly. Check the website for updated information on the Assembly and all related events. The AFN 34^th Annual General Assembly is sponsored by TD Bank Group with additional support provided by Air North and Northwest Tel. 

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

SOURCE: Assembly of First Nations

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

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