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

OTTAWA, July 19 /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):

    
    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"(R) 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]