/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - Working Group on Natural Resource Development Launching Final Report on the Way Forward for First Nations, Industry and Government/

TORONTO, March 2, 2015 /CNW/ - As natural resource development issues move to the forefront of the discussion on Canada's economy, environment and future, the Working Group on Natural Resources Development, an independent working group set up by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), is releasing its final report, Advancing Positive, Impactful Change, on March 3^rd in Toronto, Ontario.

DATE:	Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
TIME:	11 a.m.
LOCATION:	Fairmont Royal York New Brunswick Meeting Room 100 Front St W, Toronto, ON

The Working Group, consisting of Co-Chairs Douglas Turnbull and AFN Alberta Regional Chief Cameron Alexis and Working Group members Richard Nerysoo, Patrick McGuinness and AFN New Brunswick/PEI Regional Chief Roger Augustine, was launched in December 2013 to identify ways to ensure First Nations and their citizens have the opportunity to participate and share in the full range of benefits resulting from natural resource development projects in Canada.  The Working Group presented the final report last week to AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde and the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) Bernard Valcourt.

This report will set out some key observations and recommendations for consideration by First Nations, governments and Canadians on natural resource development across the themes of governance, the environment, prosperity, and finance issues, and the changing legal environment.  The aim of the report is to set the pathway for more comprehensive dialogue and collaboration between all interested parties in natural resource development.

You can get more information on the Working Group on Natural Resources Development at: http://www.naturalresourcedev.com/

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director, [phone], or [email protected]; Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, [phone], or [email protected]