Assembly of First Nations National Chief Welcomes Prime Minister's positive response to First Nations Call for Crown-First Nations Gathering

OTTAWA, Dec. 1, 2011 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said today he is encouraged by the Prime Minister's commitment to a Crown-First Nations Gathering now scheduled for January 24, 2012. The Gathering will be aimed at strengthening the Crown-First Nations relationship and unlocking the full potential of First Nations driven change for progress recognizing and respecting mutual responsibilities and accountability.

"It is more and more evident to everyone that we need action to deal with the long-standing problems facing First Nations and Canada," the National Chief said. "We have communities in crisis that need action now, but we must stop lurching from crisis to crisis. This requires action and commitment to address systemic problems, and it requires that we work together. It is time to reset the relationship to the one formed at the time of Treaty - based on partnership and respect."

First Nations called for this in July 2010 and the Prime Minister agreed to work with the Assembly of First Nations towards this in December 2010. The date has now been set for January 24, 2012. The Crown-First Nations Gathering will have a focused agenda specific to First Nations peoples and governments.

In reference to the Crown-First Nations Gathering, the National Chief stated that it is time to move forward, as called for in the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect as opposed to the imposition of unilateral decisions. The UN Declaration states: "... indigenous peoples have suffered from historic injustices as a result of their colonization and dispossession of their lands, territories and resources, thus preventing them from exercising their right to development in accordance with their own needs and interests."

"First Nations are diverse and face many challenges, but by focusing on key critical issues we can set out a long-term strategic plan for progress and prosperity," National Chief Atleo stated. "We must strengthen our relationship and give life to our Treaties as the foundation to build strong First Nation economies, boost First Nation education and foster healthy citizens and safe communities. This will unlock the tremendous potential of our people and create a stronger country for all of us."

The announcement comes as First Nations from across the country are preparing to convene for the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly next week in Ottawa. National Chief Atleo said a special session on the Crown-First Nations Gathering will be added to the agenda to share information. First Nations have already put forward detailed, workable plans in key, critical areas like education, building economies, implementing the Treaties, improving housing and infrastructure, strengthening First Nation governments and other key priorities.

The National Chief said that the Crown-First Nations Gathering has the potential to be a significant and defining event: "This is an opportunity to re-set the relationship, to begin the work of smashing the status quo and breaking the shackles that are holding us back. The key is a real commitment to working together. We began our history as partners. We can move forward as partners."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN and National Chief Atleo on Twitter @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms and @NCAtleo.

Crown - First Nations Gathering

 Backgrounder

What is it?

The Crown - First Nations Gathering is a meeting between the Prime Minister and First Nations.  The Crown - First Nation Gathering is aimed at re-setting the relationship between First Nations and the federal government.  This gathering represents the first meeting for Prime Minister Stephen Harper with collective First Nation leadership.  Building directly on the historic statement of apology, the endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as the Specific Claims Tribunal and the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Crown - First Nation Gathering creates the next step to move our relationship forward.

How did the meeting come about?

This meeting is a direct result of a call from First Nations to meet with the Crown. During the Annual General Assembly July 2010 in Winnipeg, discussion centered on First Nations advancing their rights and jurisdiction. As one of the principal suggestions of how to advance overall national advocacy and momentum in support of First Nation governments, the concept of a Crown - First Nations Gathering emerged.  In December 2010 the Prime Minister sent a letter agreeing to the gathering taking place. 

In June 2011 the Canada-First Nations Joint Action Plan was announced, which further committed to the gathering. The Joint Action Plan based on recognition of key milestones including Canada's endorsement of the UN Declaration and commits to a constructive relationship based on the core principles of mutual understanding, respect, ensuring mutually acceptable outcomes and accountability.

Building on these important steps, we can reset the Crown - First Nation relationship in real terms. The Crown - First Nation Gathering is an important opportunity to respectfully engage and focus interaction and advancement of key interests for First Nations and all Canadians.

What is the agenda?

The Crown - First Nation Gathering provides us with an opportunity to move forward various mandates provided by Chiefs-in-Assembly. The Gathering is designed with three specific goals:

1. Renewing and affirming the relationship
2. Marking progress being achieved on key, agreed upon topic areas
3. Setting a future agenda through open dialogue and reflecting mutual interests

This means our broader interests in education, treaties, improving negotiations and policy reform, advancing First Nation governments, economic development and others will all be a focus.

The Crown - First Nation Gathering is also an opportunity to highlight future areas for consideration and exploration.  Our goal is that this gathering signal the beginning of regular such gatherings confirming an interactive relationship that is responsive to mutual needs and interests.

The format of the Crown - First Nation Gathering may include:

Part One: Ceremony reflecting and affirming the enduring relationship between First Nations and the Crown as well as Indigenous peoples heritage and future as important aspect of Canadian reality, identity and culture.

Part Two: Opening addresses by Prime Minister and First Nation leadership

Part Three: Concurrent sessions on agreed-upon topics for submission by First Nation delegation and dialogue with members of Cabinet/caucus and officials as designated

Part Four: Setting forward looking agenda

How can First Nations participate?

It is recognized that not everyone is going to be able to come to Ottawa to participate, so extraordinary measures are being put in place to maximize everyone's participation.  Leading up to the Crown - First Nations Gathering an aggressive social media and online presence will be created to foster dialogue in the topics being discussed.  We are reaching out to Chiefs to ensure that they can provide their input on the areas being discussed.

The Crown - First Nation Gathering itself will have the opening, plenary, key note address and final plenary webcast for all to observe. As with past AFN events, a live web-chat will take place to encourage as much discussion and dialogue as possible!

In addition, ten (10) regional video conference facilities are being identified to provide access to Chiefs regionally to participate in the breakout sessions.  The AFN will be working with Regional Chiefs to help identify locations and facilitate access for every First Nation across Canada.

Finally, the gathering is just the beginning of the discussions and action.  The AFN will be producing a series of short video clips from the Gathering and continuing to engage in dialogue online.  The Crown - First Nation Gathering website will remain live for some time to be a gathering place for updates, documents and ongoing engagement.

Where can I get more information?

In the coming days a specific website will be launched to act as a clearing house for information.  In the meantime a special session has been added to our Special Chiefs Assembly on December 8, 2012 at 5:30pm.

For further information:

Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or [e-mail]

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-292-0857 or [e-mail]