Assembly of First Nations Set to Convene 37th Annual General Assembly July 12-14 in Niagara Falls, Ontario

OTTAWA, July 8, 2016 /CNW/ - First Nation leaders, Elders, youth and citizens from across the country are set to gather next week for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 37^th Annual General Assembly (AGA), to be held at the Scotiabank Convention Centre from July 12-14.  Chiefs and delegates will discuss key issues and determine strategy to advance First Nations priorities.

AFN AGA delegates will gather under the theme "Gaining Momentum" and will participate in dialogue sessions, address resolutions and determine action and change based on Treaty Rights and inherent rights, title and jurisdiction.

The Grand Entry will take place Tuesday, July 12 at 8:30 a.m. AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde will deliver his opening address at approximately 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12. A number of federal cabinet ministers are scheduled to address the Assembly and First Nations leadership from across the country (See the Agenda Highlights below).

On Sunday July 10, 2016, AFN and the AFN National Youth Council (NYC) will be hosting the 2016 National Youth Summit on Wellness. More than 200 First Nation youth from across the country will participate in this important gathering focusing on mental health and wellness, life promotion, substance abuse, and the broader social determinants of health.

The day before the AGA convenes, the AFN will hold the first ever Citizens Speak Forum where First Nation citizens will be provided an open forum to speak to their respective issues and priorities (Monday July 11^th, 2016). 

The main plenary of the AGA will be webcast on the AFN website at www.afn.ca.  Media are required to register on-site.  A detailed agenda is available on the AFN website at: http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/2016-aga/aga-2016-agenda.pdf

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:
Sunday, July 10
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 2016	National Youth Summiton Wellness (Hilton Niagara Falls Hotel & Suites)
Monday, July 11
1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.	Citizens Speak Forum (Scotiabank Convention Center)
Tuesday, July 12
8:30 a.m.	Grand Entry
9:20 a.m.	Welcoming Remarks by First Nations Leadership and Government Officials and Representatives
10 a.m.	Opening Address by AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde
10:35 a.m.	Address to Assembly by the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development
	Address to Assembly by the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
11:05 a.m.	AFN/Federal Government Accord Signing on a New Fiscal Relationship with the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development
11:30 a.m.	AFN/RCMP Accord Signing with RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson
1:50 p.m.	Honouring of Chief Marie-Anne Day Walker-Pelletier, Grand Chief Ed John and Elder Billy Two Rivers
2:10 p.m.	Discussion on Federal Law and Policy Review
3 p.m.	Discussion on Moving Beyond the Indian Act
3:50 p.m.	Young Voices to share their concerns as well as articulate a vision for their futures
Wednesday, July 13
9 a.m. - Noon	Concurrent Dialogue and Strategy Sessions (see detailed agenda)
1 p.m.	Address to Assembly by the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on Climate Action and Environment
1:20 p.m.	Direction Forward and Resolutions
Thursday, July 14
9 a.m. - Noon	Concurrent Dialogue and Strategy Sessions
9 a.m. – 10:30	Dialogue Session on Climate Action with the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
1:15 p.m.	Indian Residential Schools Update/Day Scholars Class Action – AIP
1:45 p.m.	Direction Forward and Resolutions
4:30 p.m.	Closing Remarks by AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde

Note that times are subject to change. Media can contact AFN Communications Officers during the Assembly for the latest information.

Strategy and Dialogue Sessions will be held during the AGA on Education, Land Rights and Claims, Fisheries, Water/Housing/Infrastructure, Life Promotion for Youth, Emergency Management, Child Protection, Economic Development, Climate Action, Safety and Security for Indigenous Women and Girls, Languages, Health Priorities, Policing and Public Safety and Treaty Implementation and Enforcement.

The three-day Assembly will also feature special events coordinated by the AGA host committee.  For more information on host committee events visit:

http://www.afn.ca/en/2016-host-committee

AFN is hosting its 7^th Annual IndigenACTION 5km Run/Walk in honour of Tom Longboat on Tuesday evening July 12^th, Registration at 5:30 p.m. at Lake Ontario Room, Hilton Hotel. Race starts at 6 p.m. in front of Hilton Hotel Lobby.

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

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-292-0857, [email protected]; Jenn Jefferys, AFN Communications Officer, 613-222-9656, [email protected]