Media Advisory - Assembly of First Nations 31st Annual General Assembly
Taking Place "Where Our Nations Meet" in Winnipeg, Manitoba July 20-22

OTTAWA, July 16 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations, the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada, is holding its Annual General Assembly at the Winnipeg Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba from July 20-22. The theme of the AFN's 31st AGA is "Where Our Nations Meet", reflecting the significance of Winnipeg as a historic gathering place for First Nations peoples as well as the significance of the AGA as a national gathering of First Nations from across the country.

A full AGA agenda is available at www.afn.ca. Some media highlights include (all times local time):

Sunday, July 18
9:30 a.m.	Press conference with AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, AFN Youth Council Chair, Olympic athlete Waneek Horn Miller and ultra-marathoner Ray Zahab. The group will launch IndigenACTION, an initiative focusing on sport, fitness and healthy lifestyles for First Nation people and communities. The press conference will be followed by a photo opportunity and "fun run". University of Winnipeg Duckworth Centre Track, 2nd Floor, 400 Spence Street
Tuesday, July 20
9 a.m.	AGA Opening Remarks by dignitaries including First Nations representatives, Manitoba Premier the Honourable Greg Selinger and City of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz (see full agenda on the AFN website for details) Hall A, Winnipeg Convention Centre
10:15 a.m.	Opening Address by AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo "It's Our Time: A Vision for the Future" Hall A, Winnipeg Convention Centre
12 noon	Press Conference with AFN National Chief Atleo and members of AFN Executive Opportunity for media engagement with the National Chief and AFN Executive Meeting Room 24, Winnipeg Convention Centre
Wednesday, July 21
12:00 noon	AFN National Chief Atleo and "Canada's Most Trusted Contractor" Mike Holmes of "Holmes on Homes"® and The Holmes Foundation sign Statement of Partnership on a new First Nations housing initiative (photo opportunity with press conference to follow - see below) Hall A, Winnipeg Convention Centre
12:30 p.m.	Press conference with AFN National Chief Atleo and "Canada's Most Trusted Contractor" Mike Holmes on the Statement of Partnership on a new First Nations housing initiative Meeting Room 24, Winnipeg Convention Centre
Thursday, July 22
12:00 noon	Special announcement and signing of Statement of Partnership Agreement between Assembly of First Nations and Engineers Canada AFN National Chief Atleo and Engineers Canada President Zaki Ghavitian Hall A, Winnipeg Convention Centre
12:30 p.m.	Press conference with AFN National Chief Atleo and First Nations representatives to make special announcement on First Nation Control of First Nation Education Meeting Room 24, Winnipeg Convention Centre

More details on these events will be forthcoming. The AFN AGA will be webcast on the AFN website.

The AFN is also hosting a Trade Show in Hall B at the Winnipeg Convention Centre that will run throughout the AGA. There are more than 100 exhibitors and it is open to the public.

There are a number of side events and activities taking place during the AGA that are being organized by the Host Committee. For more information on these activities see: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129449647080559

Media can register onsite at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. There is no cost for media to attend the event.

Please contact the Media Contacts listed below if you have any questions.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations 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]