/R E P E A T -- First Nations from Across the Country Gather for Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly in Gatineau, PQ December 8-10/

OTTAWA, Dec. 4, 2015 /CNW/ - First Nation leaders, Elders and youth from across the country will gather in the traditional territory of the Algonquin Nation next week from December 8-10 for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) taking place at the Hilton Lac-Leamy (main ballroom).  Chiefs and delegates will discuss key issues and determine strategies and plans to advance First Nations priorities.

First Nations delegates will gather under the theme "Shaping our Future and Closing the Gap: Inherent and Treaty Rights, Reconciliation, Relationships" to participate in strategy sessions, pass resolutions on key priorities and set a course of action and change based on inherent Aboriginal rights, title and Treaties.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde will deliver his opening address at approximately 8:50 a.m. Tuesday, December 8.  National Chief Bellegarde will hold a press conference on Tuesday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m. (Julien Room).

The Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, is scheduled to speak at approximately 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 8.  The federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and federal Fisheries Minister will also address delegates during the SCA.

Media are encouraged to register in advance by emailing the AFN contacts listed below but can register on-site.

SCA highlights include:
Tuesday, December 8
8:30 a.m.	Grand Entry
8:50 a.m.	Keynote by AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde
9:10 a.m.	Address by the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
11:15 a.m.	Special Honourings: Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners and Executive Director of the FNCFCS Cindy Blackstock
1 p.m.	Discussion on Working with the New Federal Government
2:00 p.m.	National Chief Bellegarde Press Conference (Julien Room)
2:30 p.m.	Discussion on Upholding Rights
4 p.m.	Discussion on Implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
Wednesday, December 9
9:30 a.m.	Discussion on Health and Child Welfare
10:15 a.m.	Special Presentation: N'we Jinan Artists featuring students from Pierre Elliot Trudeau Elementary School (Gatineau, Quebec)
11:00 a.m.	Discussion on Education
1:30 p.m.	Discussion on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls
3 p.m.	Right Honourable Paul Martin: Building a New Fiscal Relationship for Education
4 p.m.	Chiefs Committee on Nation Building and AFN Restructuring
Thursday, December 10
10 a.m.	Address by Federal Fisheries Minister Hunter Tootoo followed by discussion on Respecting the Environment
11:15 a.m.	Discussion on Revitalization of Indigenous Languages
1 p.m.	Discussion on AFN national resolutions
3 p.m.	Address by federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Dr. Carolyn Bennett
3:30 p.m.	National Chief Bellegarde Closing Remarks

Note that times are subject to change.  Media can contact AFN Communications Officers for the latest information.  The detailed agenda is available at: http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/sca_planning_agenda-v4.pdf

The SCA will be webcast on the AFN website at www.afn.ca

Strategy and Dialogue Sessions will be held prior to the SCA on Housing and Water Regulations, Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaty Implementation, Support for the Recognition of First Nations Jurisdiction over Citizenship, Fisheries, Health, Land Rights and Claims, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

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

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

For further information: Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or [e-mail]; Jenna Young Castro, AFN Communications Officer, 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or [e-mail]