Posts By: Karen

Honouring & Renewing Our Sacred Relations: 44th Annual Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering at Trent November 1-3

Award-winning Ojibway author and journalist Tanya Talaga to deliver keynote address to hundreds of guests from across North America

Wednesday, October 30, 2019, Peterborough

Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples from across the continent will gather this weekend at Trent University as part of the 44th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering hosted by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent.

“This year’s gathering celebrates the importance of Renewing our Sacred Relations,” says Dr. Dawn Lavell Harvard, director of FPHL. “It connects students and community members, providing an opportunity to learn from elders whose traditional knowledge they might otherwise not have access to. These elders bring a wealth of knowledge about our collective past to help guide our path into the future using traditional teachings from a number of diverse Indigenous nations.”

Indigenous Insights, the pre-conference on Friday, November 1, celebrates 50 years of Indigenous Studies at Trent University. The day’s program includes honorific namings, a treaty display unveiling, and reflections from notable alumni including Harvey McCue.

Each year, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering offers an opportunity for all attendees to share in Indigenous knowledge through workshops, presentations, and performances. This year’s performance, Inner Elder, returns to much acclaim in the Nozhem Performance Theatre.

Registration for the Elders Gathering is required. General admission is $25, students and seniors (65+) are free. Register online or at the door. All events take place in Enwayaang, home to Gzowski College and the First Peoples House of Learning.

AFN Welcomes British Columbia Legislation on UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Urges Other Governments to Enact Legislation

(Ottawa, ON): Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde and British Columbia AFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee welcome legislation tabled today in the BC legislature to harmonize provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the UN Declaration).

“British Columbia is leading the way and we urge the Government of Canada to do the same,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “Implementing the UN Declaration through legislation is a positive step for peace, progress and prosperity. This will ensure First Nations rights are respected and implemented. This will create greater economic stability and prosperity, because it’s clear that ignoring First Nations rights is the cause of instability and uncertainty. I congratulate Premier Horgan for showing leadership and honouring his commitment to embrace the UN Declaration, and I congratulate Regional Chief Teegee, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, the First Nations Summit and First Nations leaders throughout BC for their hard work and advocacy in making this new Bill a reality. This is the start of new movement forward and we urge other governments to follow the leadership shown by BC.”

The UN Declaration is the road map to reconciliation. The AFN’s agenda for the next four years and beyond, Honouring Promises: 2019 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada, released September 9, calls on the federal government to commit to implementing the UN Declaration through legislation that is at least as strong as private member’s Bill C-262, which did not pass in the last session of Parliament. The Liberal Party, New Democratic Party and Green Party all committed in their 2019 election platforms to enact federal legislation on the UN Declaration.

AFN BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee stated: “Today is a historic moment in BC, Canada, and around the world. The maturity and wisdom of our current leadership in BC, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, is a beacon of hope during these uncertain times. I applaud Premier Horgan and his cabinet for moving this legislation forward. Implementing the UN Declaration is a non-partisan move, one we have been working towards for twelve long years. Businesses and investors will benefit as it creates certainty and predictability for projects in this province, British Columbians will benefit from job creation, and First Nations will benefit by having a seat at the table. We are finally moving forward together.”

Honouring Promises is available on the AFN website at: https://www.afn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Honouring-Promises_ENG_Rev.pdf

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

Indigenous human rights recognized in B.C. law with new legislation

BC will be Canada’s first province to put the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples into law. The new law will recognize and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples. It will create a clear process to make sure Indigenous peoples are a part of the decisions that affect them, their communities, and their territories. And it provides a path forward for everyone.

Legislation introduced Oct. 24, 2019, creates a path forward to recognize and uphold the human rights of Indigenous peoples in B.C.

“Today’s legislation is a crucial step towards true and lasting reconciliation,” said Premier John Horgan. “With this new law, Indigenous peoples will be part of the decisions that affect them, their families and their territories. Together with Indigenous peoples, we’re going to build a better future with good jobs and opportunities for people, strong environmental protections and healthy communities that include everyone.”

If passed, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act will make British Columbia the first province to bring the internationally recognized standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) into provincial law.

“B.C. has made significant progress on reconciliation together with Indigenous peoples already, and we’ll continue to work together to build an even stronger, more inclusive and more just B.C. that will create a better future for everyone,” said Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “The legislation will create a path forward that upholds the human rights of Indigenous peoples, while creating more transparency and predictability in the work we do together. This is about ending discrimination and conflict in our province, and instead ensuring more economic justice and fairness.”

Developed in collaboration with the First Nations Leadership Council at the direction of First Nations, this legislation creates a framework for reconciliation in B.C., in keeping with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“First Nations across B.C., Canada and the world are watching the introduction of this historic legislation. We are showing how the maturity and wisdom of our current leadership in this province, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, can be a beacon for hope during these uncertain times,” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations. “I applaud Premier Horgan and his cabinet for their bravery and perseverance in moving this forward. Implementing the UN Declaration is a non-partisan move, and we have been waiting 12 long years for this. Businesses and investors will benefit from this as it creates certainty and predictability for projects in this province – British Columbians will benefit from job creation and First Nations will benefit by having a seat at the table. Mussi Cho to all British Columbians. We are finally moving forward together.”

Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit political executive, said, “The provincial government has a long history of denying the very existence and rights of Indigenous peoples. We are pleased that this changes today, and the Province of British Columbia is working with us in turning the page in our collective history and embarking on a new era and path for building a respectful and modern government-to-government relationship – a relationship built on recognition, respect, co-operation and partnership with a goal to improve the lives of our citizens and bring reconciliation to the forefront of society.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, said, “Today is a good day. Without a doubt, this unifying bill represents an incredible step forward in Crown-Indigenous relations in the Province of British Columbia. We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come together, and we eagerly anticipate next steps. This landmark bill is not only aspirational but includes tangible and practical tools for implementation. We hold up our hands to our ancestors and past leaders for paving the way for this critical work, and we look to our grandchildren, who will enjoy a more certain future.”

Over time as laws are modified or built, they will be aligned with the UN Declaration. Additional elements of the bill include:

  • a requirement to develop an action plan to meet the objectives of the UN Declaration, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples;
  • annual public reporting to monitor progress;
  • discretion for new decision-making agreements between the Province and Indigenous governments where decisions directly affect Indigenous peoples and mechanisms exist in applicable legislation – with clear processes, administrative fairness and transparency; and
  • recognition for additional forms of Indigenous governments in agreement-making, such as multiple Nations working together as a collective, or hereditary governments – as determined and recognized by the citizens of the Nation.

To support self-determination and self-government, the act will enable the Province to recognize other forms of Indigenous governments in addition to federal Indian Act bands, treaty Nations and incorporated bodies and societies. This also provides more clarity for businesses and communities about who to engage when working with Indigenous partners.

In 2017, every cabinet minister in the provincial government was tasked with a mandate to implement the UN Declaration and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. A commitment to adopting the UN Declaration in B.C. is a component of the Confidence and Supply Agreement with the BC Green Party caucus.

Quick Facts:

  • The First Nations Leadership Council is comprised of leadership from the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
  • The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on all governments in Canada to fully adopt and implement the UN Declaration as a framework for reconciliation.
  • The UN Declaration is a universal human rights instrument that includes 46 articles outlining the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples throughout the world. It has the support of 148 countries.
  • Actions taken since 2017 in B.C. to implement the UN Declaration include:
    • sharing $100 million annually in stable, long-term new revenues to support self-government and services that make life better for families in First Nations communities;
    • committing $550 million over 10 years to support the construction of 1,750 affordable housing units for Indigenous peoples on- and off-reserve;
    • dedicating $50 million to revitalize Indigenous languages;
    • modernizing the environmental assessment process;
    • amending child welfare laws to help keep Indigenous children with their families and communities;
    • implementing a new K-12 curriculum that integrates Indigenous culture and history; and
    • modernizing the treaty process to recognize the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and align with the UN Declaration.

Learn More:

For a factsheet on the B.C. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/FS_Declaration-Legislation_24Oct19_FINAL.pdf

The legislation: https://declaration.gov.bc.ca

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf

Presentation from media briefing: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/PPT_Media-Tech-Briefing.pdf

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Quebec must be inspired by British Columbia

Wendake, October 25, 2019 – The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) welcomes the action taken by the Government of British Columbia, which has just introduced a bill to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. More specifically, the AFNQL would like to congratulate the province’s Indigenous organizations that were closely involved in drafting the legislation that, if passed, would make the province the first to have gone this far.

“I am extremely proud of what our sisters and brothers have been able to accomplish with the Government of British Columbia. I would like to convey to their leaders and to Prime Minister Horgan our congratulations on this major achievement,” said AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard, who recalled that all governments are called upon to implement the Declaration, which constitutes a minimum threshold for the respect of human and Indigenous rights.

The AFNQL would like to take this opportunity to remind the Government of Quebec that it still has a lot of work to do to match what the Government of British Columbia has just accomplished. The AFNQL welcomed the motion submitted by Québec Solidaire, unanimously supported by the National Assembly on October 3, which states that the government must “commit to negotiating the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with First Nations and Inuit”.

“We are waiting for concrete action from the Legault government to prevent the motion from turning to dust. Now, the Government of Quebec can draw on British Columbia to take action” says Chief Picard.

Remembering that the National Assembly voted in favour of a resolution in 1985, which recognizes the Indigenous Nations and recognizes certain rights for them within Quebec. “The AFNQL believes that it is now time for Quebec to be at the forefront of the evolution of Indigenous law at the international level and replace this resolution with an implementation of the Declaration. This is the fundamental and legitimate goal that we are pursuing,” concluded the Chief of the AFNQL.

About the AFNQL

The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL.

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS CANNABIS & HEMP CONFERENCE November 26 – 28, 2019 in Kelowna, BC

You may have heard about the National Indigenous Cannabis & Hemp Conference in Calgary (Nov 2018) or Ottawa (Feb 2019) and wished you had sent someone from your Community. We are now doing the third conference: NICHC Kelowna, being held on November 26-28 at the Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna BC. Now is your chance to make sure you do not miss this important conference.

Who will benefit from attending the National Indigenous Cannabis & Hemp Conference in Kelowna? Your EcDev Officer, Chief’s and Council, Health Officers, anyone who wants to discover a path to selfsufficiency though involvement in Cannabis or Hemp.

These 2 days will be packed with Indigenous, expert-led Sessions and on day two, there is the added bonus of a full day educational session on Community Wellness, focusing on harm reduction for addictions from opioids and strategies that could be helpful for your Nation. In addition, there is a full day Educational Session on Hemp – the lower cost crop alternative to Cannabis. How to get involved, what Hemp can do for Community wealth, who are the buyers, what is the process, what is the return on investment and more.

Visit nichc.ca/agenda.html to see some of the sessions we will have at the NICHC Kelowna event.

Some of our Confirmed Speakers will include: Chief Clarence Louie (CEO Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corp.), Chief Harvey McLeod (Upper Nicola Band, Shannin Metatawabin – CEO NACCA), Michael Ruscetta (CEO Trichome, Carol Anne Hilton –Indigenomics), Dr. Evan Adams (Chief Medical Officer of the BC First Nations Health Authority), Dr. Irene Turner (Chief Medical Officer, Ekosi Health), Chief Gina Deer (Mohawk Council of Kahnawàke) and many more!

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/NICHC.ca and be sure to check the updated speakers list at nichc.ca/speakers.html

PLUS Register and pay now and you will receive an IMMEDIATE TRAVEL SUBSIDY for attending this event – a savings of $500.00! Delegate Registration is at nichc.ca/delegate-registration.html. There are additional Discounts for booking three or more delegates on the same registration. (excluding elder/student 19+ only registrations)

Network with 300 others from across the country, hear their first hand experiences and then make the decision on what your community’s involvement can look like.

We hope to see members from your Community or Nation at this event in November! If you have questions not answered on the website, please feel free to contact me:

Lisa Marin Operations Manager lisa@NICHC.ca 403-294-0977

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS CANNABIS & HEMP CONFERENCE November 26 – 28, 2019 in Kelowna, BC NATIONAL INDIGENOUS CANNABIS & HEMP CONFERENCE

Bill Reid Gallery Celebrates Indigenous Feminine Power in Vancouver Premiere of Out of Concealment

Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson sheds light on ancient oral traditions from Haida Gwaii in solo exhibition of photographic collages and mixed media installation

VANCOUVER, BC — Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents Out of Concealment from October 23, 2019–April 5, 2020, with an opening celebration on October 22 from 6–8pm. The Vancouver premiere of the solo exhibition by Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson is an innovative reimagining of supernatural beings from the oral traditions of Haida Gwaii. Curated by Beth Carter, in consultation with Nika Collison,

Out of Concealment foregrounds an Indigenous ethos of environmentalism by honouring the power and sexuality of Indigenous women — inherent values that were disrupted and suppressed by colonization. “Out of Concealment reinterprets ancient knowledge for a contemporary audience, introducing new ways of understanding the environment through timeless Indigenous oral traditions and ethnographic writings about supernatural beings,” says Carter, curator of the Bill Reid Gallery. “Traditional Haida beliefs have a balance of male and female forces and emphasize the interconnectedness of all things. Particularly in light of the recent #MeToo movement and the inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women, this exhibition shares important ancestral wisdoms key to unlocking the violences that have occurred against First Nations peoples.”

The exhibition shares vibrant representations of supernatural beings through photographic collages that combine contemporary fashion trends, traditional face painting from several clans including the artist’s (Gaagyals KiiGawaay, also known as the Skedans clan), and historic locations in Haida Gwaii. Many of the works feature subtle integrations of art by Robert Davidson, as well as Williams-Davidson herself as the subject. Some of the supernatural beings introduced in the exhibition include ‘Laa.a Jaad (Fine Weather Woman), who controls the Northeast Wind and is a Raven, and Jiila Kuns (Volcano Woman), a powerful ancestress of many Eagle lineages of Haida Gwaii.

Out of Concealment first premiered at the Haida Gwaii Museum in 2017, accompanied by an exhibition catalogue and full-colour publication by Heritage House Publishing. The Vancouver premiere will feature new sculptural works, including Plastic Woman, which is made of plastic found on the beaches of Haida Gwaii. The piece builds on the themes of the exhibition, drawing attention to environmental issues. Additional programming includes the book launch of Magical Beings, a new children’s book co-authored by Williams-Davidson and Sara Florence Davidson, on November 2 at 2pm, and the launch of a new oracle deck, Haida Box of Knowledge: Guidance from Supernatural Sisters written by Williams-Davidson and Sharon Blodorn, on November 30 at 2pm.

Williams-Davidson is an artist, musician, writer, and environmental lawyer. Born and raised in Haida Gwaii, she is a recognized keeper of traditions. Her work strives to open new vistas to her audiences rooted in Indigenous world views, Haida language and laws, music and oral traditions. She has helped preserve the legacy of Haida music through the Haida Gwaii Singers Society

AFN Says Substantial Investments for Mental Wellness in First Nations are Essential in Closing the Health Gap Between First Nations and Canada

OTTAWA, Oct. 10, 2019 /CNW/ – On World Mental Health Day, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) urges all federal leaders commit to substantial investments for mental wellness for First Nations as a top priority and to work diligently with First Nations and ensure First Nations enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

“We must work together to improve the health and wellbeing of all First Nations and ensure we close the gap by developing health services that are driven by First Nations, that respect our rights and incorporate traditional health and healing practices” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “I believe our culture, languages and traditions have an integral role in achieving overall health and wellness. One of the priorities we are seeking during this federal election is a commitment from all parties to substantive, long term and flexible funding that supports a holistic approach to First Nations health and wellbeing. We are the youngest, fastest growing population. Healthy First Nations will make a stronger country for all of us.”

On September 9, 2019, the AFN unveiled its agenda for the next government, Honouring Promises: 2019 Federal Elections Priorities for First Nations and Canada which sets out a comprehensive agenda for reconciliation and closing the gap. The AFN continues to work directly with First Nations to advocate for appropriate supports and investments for First Nations-led approaches, with the intent of creating initiatives, policies, funding mechanisms, programs and services that are culturally relevant and provide proven results to all First Nations across Canada.

“It is incredibly important for me to highlight World Mental Health Day, because mental wellness continues to be a priority that is overlooked, and requires all our attention, support and energy,” said AFN Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, who holds the Mental Wellness portfolio for AFN. “The theme this year focuses on suicide prevention, which connects with so many of us and our communities. We are losing our community members, and especially our young people at an alarming rate. Everyone has a role to play in supporting mental wellness and our young people need to know their lives matter. We continue to advocate for increased investments in mental health services and suicide prevention programs, and we also need to address the fundamental determinants of health such as access to clean water, education and proper housing. We must learn from our past and present realities and ensure mental wellness remains a top focus to ensure stronger and healthier futures for our children.”

World Mental Health Day is presented by the World Federation of Mental Health and recognized annually on October 10.

BUILD ANYTHING. IMAGINE ANYTHING. MAKE IT SMART: NLC HOSTS FIRST ROBOTICS CAMP

Two groups of 12 – 15 year olds were the first to participate in the Northern Lakes College Robotics Summer Camp. Including virtual reality, 3D printing, and robotics, the one-day camp was held at the High Prairie Main Campus on July 23 and the Slave Lake Campus on July 25.

Chief Information Officer for Northern Lakes College, Bruce D’Sena, leveraged the skills within the College’s Information Technology department to create the camp. “We have incredibly skilled and knowledgeable people working in Information Technology at NLC and we’re committed to providing students a best-in-class experience. The cutting edge technologies, like artificial intelligence and virtual reality, that students explored in our summer camp are also being harnessed to support a number of our College programs, so it was a natural fit to create and host the camp,” he comments.

Students assembled the components of a robot, built using a 3D printer. Artificial intelligence capability allowed participants to customize their robot, including gender, voice, and language, and enabled the robots to respond to voice commands, tell jokes, and recognize objects using machine vision. Camp participant Simon, 13, comments, “This camp is really fun! My favourite is the 3D printing. It is amazing to see reality shaped by a machine, and how smart AI (artificial intelligence) can be.”

Students also had an opportunity to experience augmented reality, where virtual things are experienced in the real world. Wearing specially-designed goggles that they assembled themselves, participants held a physical cardboard cube, on which virtual characters appeared. Trying out the latest headsets being deployed in the College’s regular programming, participants had the opportunity to experience virtual reality and had fun with a few action-packed activities in a virtual world.

At the end of a fun day, students left with a set of NLC Goggles and their 3D creations.

First Nations Leaders and Delegates from Across the Country Gather for the AFN Annual General Assembly July 23-25, 2019 in Fredericton, NB

(Ottawa, ON) – Hundreds of First Nations Chiefs, leaders, Elders and youth are set to gather July 23-25, 2019 for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly (AGA) taking place at the Fredericton Convention Center on unceded Wəlastəkewiyik (Maliseet) territory in Fredericton, New Brunswick.  Chiefs and delegates will gather under the theme “Celebrating our Successes and Giving Thanks” to assess progress, set priorities and strategic direction for the coming year.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde will deliver his Opening Address on the first day, July 23, at approximately 9:30 a.m. St. Mary’s First Nation Chief Alan Polchies and AFN Regional Chief Roger Augustine will also address the Assembly on opening day, as well as New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, the provincial Minister of Indigenous Relations, Jake Stewart, the Mayor of Fredericton, Michael O’Brien, and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett.

The AGA will feature discussion and decision-making on key priorities for First Nations. The AGA will include honouring ceremonies for Autumn Peltier, the former Chair of the AFN Women’s Council Denise Stonefish, First Nations veteran Phillip Favel and others.

Delegates will hear from federal representatives including Green Party leader Elizabeth May, NDP representative MP Guy Caron, Minister of Indigenous Services Seamus O’Regan and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, Gary Anandasangaree.

The provisional agenda and updates are available on the AFN website at https://www.afn.ca/2019-annual-general-assembly/.

The AGA will be webcast on the AFN website at https://livestream.com/afn/2019aga.

Media accreditation is required and media are encouraged to register in advance through the contacts listed below.

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

First Nations Leaders and Delegates from Across the Country Gather for the AFN Annual General Assembly July 23-25, 2019 in Fredericton, NB

(Ottawa, ON) – Hundreds of First Nations Chiefs, leaders, Elders and youth are set to gather July 23-25, 2019 for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly (AGA) taking place at the Fredericton Convention Center on unceded Wəlastəkewiyik (Maliseet) territory in Fredericton, New Brunswick.  Chiefs and delegates will gather under the theme “Celebrating our Successes and Giving Thanks” to assess progress, set priorities and strategic direction for the coming year.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde will deliver his Opening Address on the first day, July 23, at approximately 9:30 a.m. St. Mary’s First Nation Chief Alan Polchies and AFN Regional Chief Roger Augustine will also address the Assembly on opening day, as well as New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, the provincial Minister of Indigenous Relations, Jake Stewart, the Mayor of Fredericton, Michael O’Brien, and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett.

The AGA will feature discussion and decision-making on key priorities for First Nations. The AGA will include honouring ceremonies for Autumn Peltier, the former Chair of the AFN Women’s Council Denise Stonefish, First Nations veteran Phillip Favel and others.

Delegates will hear from federal representatives including Green Party leader Elizabeth May, NDP representative MP Guy Caron, Minister of Indigenous Services Seamus O’Regan and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, Gary Anandasangaree.

The provisional agenda and updates are available on the AFN website athttps://www.afn.ca/2019-annual-general-assembly/.

The AGA will be webcast on the AFN website at https://livestream.com/afn/2019aga.

Media accreditation is required and media are encouraged to register in advance through the contacts listed below.

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