Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly

Ottawa, Ontario – From December 3 to 5, 2024, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) held its Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) at the Rogers Centre, located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation. Bringing together Chiefs, Knowledge Keepers, Elders, youth, women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, and other leaders, the assembly aimed to address pressing issues and set strategic goals for First Nations communities across Canada.

Professor Akbar Manoussi also made a significant contribution as a distinguished guest at this meeting.

AFN: A Voice for First Nations

The AFN serves as a national advocacy organization, facilitating dialogue, advancing legal and policy initiatives, and building relationships between First Nations, governments, businesses, and the public. According to the 2021 Canadian Census, First Nations people represent 2.83% of the Canadian population, with 1,048,405 individuals. This vibrant community includes numerous tribes such as the Algonquin, Mohawk, Tsuut’ina, Haida, Blackfoot, Cree, and Wyandot, each with unique histories and contributions to Canada’s cultural and social landscape.

Key Topics and Decisions

The assembly focused on several critical issues affecting First Nations:

• Economic Reconciliation: Delegates discussed strategies to promote economic self-sufficiency, equitable resource sharing, and sustainable development.

• Policing Reform: The call for a National Inquiry into systemic racism in law enforcement highlighted the need for justice and accountability.

• Indigenous Justice Strategy: Leaders explored ways to integrate First Nations laws into Canada’s justice system while revitalizing traditional legal practices.

• Child and Family Services Reform: Discussions emphasized reforming the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program to ensure the well-being of First Nations children and families.

Modernizing Leadership Processes

For the first time, the AFN implemented electronic voting, allowing Chiefs and proxies to participate both in-person and remotely. This innovation streamlined decision-making and improved accessibility for leaders across the country.

Pre-Assembly Engagement and Media Coverage

Pre-assembly dialogue sessions on December 2 enabled delegates to collaborate on specific issues before the main discussions. Accredited media ensured transparency, providing widespread coverage of the proceedings.

First Nations: A Rich Cultural Tapestry

The First Nations in Canada represent diverse cultural and historical traditions:

• Algonquin: Located in Quebec and Ontario, organized into 10 First Nations.

• Mohawk: Guardians of the Eastern Door of the Iroquois Confederacy.

• Tsuut’ina: Part of the Dene people with deep migratory roots.

• Haida, Tsimshian, Salish, Kwakiutl: Coastal tribes along the Pacific.

• Blackfoot, Kainai, Sarcee, Northern Peigan: Plains tribes.

• Cree and Chipewyan: From northern woodlands.

• Anishinaabe and Wyandot: Around the Great Lakes.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 Special Chiefs Assembly marked a milestone in advancing First Nations’ priorities and fostering collaboration between communities, governments, and organizations. The AFN’s continued efforts aim to create lasting progress for First Nations people across Canada.