Assembly of First Nations Youth Council Elects New Co-Chairs Jennifer O'Bomsawin and Andre Bear at AFN's 2016 Youth Summit in Niagara Falls, ON

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, July 14, 2016 /CNW/ - The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is pleased to announce that the AFN Youth Council, the national group representing First Nations youth from each of the AFN's 10 regions across Canada, has elected two dynamic new Co-Chairs to advocate on behalf of the unique rights and priorities of First Nations youth in Canada.

Jennifer O'Bomsawin of Wendake of the Wendat Nation and Abenaki Nation (Quebec) and Andre Bear of the Nehîyawak Nation of Treaty 6 territory (Saskatchewan) were elected during the AFN's Youth Summit in Niagara Falls, ON which was held on July 10, just prior to the opening of the 37th AFN Annual General Assembly.

The AFN National Youth Council works with the AFN to ensure that the concerns, perspectives and priorities of First Nations youth inform all areas of work for the AFN.

Newly-elected AFN Youth Council Co-Chairs Jennifer O'Bomsawin and Andre Bear made the following statement:

"First Nations youth in Canada carry incredible strength by way of our experiences and unique views on the world if only we are heard and valued. We need to feel well represented and we need to have a voice ― and that's exactly why we will ensure that these powerful voices are heard, each day, on the national stage. We ensure that we will be facilitating and carrying out core issues and working with our young people to bring forth vital solutions."

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

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