First Nation Leaders, Elders and Citizens to Gather in Winnipeg, MB for AFN Special Chiefs Assembly and Election of National Chief

OTTAWA, Dec. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - First Nation leaders from across Canada will gather in Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 9-11, 2014 for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) and election for AFN National Chief. The theme of this year's SCA is "Our People, Our Land, Our Time" and will include discussion on a number of priorities for First Nations, including dialogue on Nation Building and AFN Restructuring, First Nations Control of First Nations Education, Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls, and Land Rights and Claims.

The three-day Special Chiefs Assembly takes place at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 375 York Ave.

A technical briefing on the Special Chiefs Assembly will be provided by AFN Communications on Tuesday December 9, 2014, at 8 a.m. (Central Standard Time) in the media room (Room 118) at RBC Convention Centre.

Media Opportunities and Highlights include (all times local):

• Tuesday December 9, 2014
  • Opening Ceremonies & Opening Remarks by AFN Alberta Regional Chief Cameron Alexis and AFN NS/NFLD Regional Chief Morley Googoo – 8:30 a.m.
  • Special Honoring and Recognition: Rinelle Harper and Family, following Opening Ceremonies and Remarks, approximately 10:30 a.m.
  • Panel on Nation Building and AFN Restructuring – 1p.m.
  • National Chief Candidates Forum – 2 p.m.
• Wednesday December 10, 2014
  • Election of National Chief – First ballot voting begins at 9 a.m. and closes at 12 noon.  Results will be reported to delegates at 1 p.m. Second ballot commences if required.
  • Concurrent discussion on key issues (see full agenda online).
• Thursday December 11, 2014
  • Discussion and Decision on First Nations Control of First Nations Education and Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls – 10:00 a.m.
  • Discussion on Specific Claims – 1:30 p.m.

There is no fee for media to attend the SCA but media accreditation is required at the Registration area.  Media are encouraged to pre-register online at: http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/pre-reg-sca14.pdf

A full agenda of the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly is available at www.afn.ca.  Information on related special and cultural events hosted by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) and the Host Committee is available at www.ourlandourpeopleourtime.com

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE: Assembly of First Nations

For further information: Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer [phone] or [e-mail]; Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer [phone] or [e-mail]