Chiefs from Across Canada to Gather in Gatineau, Quebec for AFN Special
Chiefs Assembly: National Chief and Auditor General to Address Assembly on
Opening Day

OTTAWA, Dec. 10 /CNW/ - First Nation leaders from across Canada will gather December 14 - 16 in Gatineau, Quebec for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly. Under the banner of "Building on Our Successes: Moving from Endorsement to Action", hundreds of First Nation Chiefs, youth and Elders, will meet to discuss and advance strategies to improve the quality of life for First Nation citizens and communities.  This is the first AFN Assembly since Canada endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples last month.

AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo will deliver opening remarks to the Assembly Tuesday morning, focusing on nation-building, the need to support First Nation governments and accountability. Consistent with this theme, Canada's Auditor General, Sheila Fraser, will speak to delegates on her work on matters that affect First Nations.

DATE:	Tuesday December 14, 2010
TIME:	10:00 a.m. - National Chief's Opening Address 12:15 p.m. - Press Conference with National Chief *Rm TBC 1:00 p.m. - Discussions and Deliberations on UNDRIP 3:00 p.m. - Presentation by Auditor General Sheila Fraser
LOCATION:	Hilton Lac Leamy , Ballroom 1, Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau, Quebec

Other highlights of the three-day Assembly include: remarks from federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq (Wednesday); photo opportunity and official signing of a partnership agreement with Canadian Executive Service Organization (Thursday); the announcement of the First Nation community that will take part in the AFN-Holmes Group pilot project (Thursday).  A full agenda of the AFN SCA is available at www.afn.ca. 

Media do not need to register in advance to attend.  There is no fee for media, but reporters are asked to provide appropriate credentials onsite.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.

For further information:

Don Kelly, AFN A/Communications Director [phone] or [email protected]
Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer [phone] or [email protected]
Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer [phone] or [email protected]a