Scotiabank Convention Centre
2016 Annual General Assembly Objectives Consistent with the AFN Charter, Assemblies provide First Nations Chiefs or their designated representatives a forum at which they can: Develop consensus on fundamental issues and common interests affecting First Nations. Discuss political strategy and policy issues on key topics such as health and wellness, land rights and claims, education, residential schools, governance, environment, economic partnerships, community safety and social development. ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY ONE Tuesday, July 12, 2016 6:30 a.m. PIPE CEREMONY Elder Ralph Johnson Scotiabank Convention Centre, Hall B 7:30 a.m. REGISTRATION Scotiabank Convention Centre, Hall B, Foyer 9:00 a.m. TRADE SHOW Scotiabank Convention Centre, Hall A 5:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. GRAND ENTRY Scotiabank Convention Centre, Hall B 9:00 a.m. OPENING PRAYER VETERANS WELCOME Elder Dave Williams, Six Nations of the Grand River Robert (Bob) Johnson, Six Nations of the Grand River 9:20 a.m. WELCOMING Chief Ava Hill, Six Nations of the Grand River Regional Chief Isadore Day, Ontario Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati Member of Provincial Parliament Wayne Gates Minister David Zimmer, Ontario Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 10:00 a.m. PROCEDURE Adoption of Rules and Agenda 10:15 a.m. KEYNOTE National Chief Perry Bellegarde 10:35 a.m. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Honourable Jody Wilson Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada 11:05 a.m. NEW FISCAL RELATIONSHIP MOU (WORKING GROUP) Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada 11:30 a.m. RCMP RELATIONSHIP PROTOCOL Commissioner Bob Paulson, Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Chief Perry Bellegarde 12:00 p.m. LUNCH BREAK 1:00 p.m. TRI COUNCIL REPORTS National Elders Council National Women s Council National Youth Council 2
ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY ONE Tuesday, July 12, 2016 1:30 p.m. REPORT AFN Management Committee Audited Financial Statements 1:50 p.m. HONOURINGS Chief Marie Anne Day Walker Pelletier, Okanese First Nation, SK Grand Chief Edward John, First Nations Summit, BC Elder Billy Two Rivers, Kahnawake, QC 2:10 p.m. Health Governance and Jurisdiction This plenary panel will provide information on the work of the Chiefs Committee on Health (CCOH) to advance priorities and jurisdiction including but not limited to the Health Accord and the Non Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Joint Review. Regional Chief Isadore Day Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief Doug Kelly, Sto:lo Tribal Council 2:30 p.m. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health Canada 2:45 p.m. YOUNG VOICES Young people gathered in Niagara to share their concerns as well as articulate a vision for their futures. This plenary session will be an opportunity for them to speak directly to the Chiefs in Assembly about what conditions are necessary for them to have hope and reach their full potential. Newly Elected Co Chairs AFN Youth Council Jennifer O Bomsawin, Wendake, Quebec/Labrador Andre Bear, Little Pine, Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatchewan Youth Walkers from Attawapiskat 3:20 p.m. MOVING BEYOND THE INDIAN ACT There is a broad consensus that the Indian Act is an obstacle. There must be alternatives to claims and self government policies that seek to terminate rights. First Nations and Canada need to move beyond the Indian Act and re establish nation to nation relationships between First Nations and the Crown. The purpose of this session will be to provide a forum to discuss strategies for moving beyond the Indian Act. Philip Awashish, Cree Naskapi Commission Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Regena Crowchild, Tsuu T ina Nation Kevin McKay, Nisga a Lisims Government 4:00 p.m. FEDERAL LAW AND POLICY REVIEW One of the key commitments of the Government of Canada is to undertake a review of all laws, policies and operational practices to ensure they are consistent with Canada s constitutional and international human rights obligations. This review will be undertaken in full partnership with First Nations by the Minister of Indigenous Affairs, with the support of the Minister of Justice. National Chief Perry Bellegarde Grand Chief Edward John, First Nations Summit, BC Chief Harry St. Denis, Wolf Lake First Nation 4:40 p.m. PROTOCOL Chiefs of Ontario 3
ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY ONE Tuesday, July 12, 2016 6:00 p.m. IndigenACTION: 5 KM Run/Walk in Honour of Tom Longboat Hilton Lobby 5:30 7:30 p.m. Side Session: Gaming Scotiabank Convention Centre PELLER ESTATES B 6:00 7:00 p.m. Side Session: Nechi Institute Scotiabank Convention Centre PELLER ESTATES A 7:00 8:30 p.m. Survivors Rowe Film and Presentation Scotiabank Convention Centre FALLSVIEW THEATRE A ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY TWO Wednesday, July 13, 2016 6:30 a.m. IndigenACTION: Rise n Shine Yoga HILTON HOTEL 6:30 a.m. PIPE CEREMONY Scotiabank Convention Centre HALL B 7:30 a.m. REGIONAL CAUCUS SESSIONS Scotiabank Convention Centre Alberta B Atlantic Room 204 Ontario C Quebec D Manitoba Room 201/202 Saskatchewan Port Colbourne Lounge Territories Room 205 British Columbia A 9:00 5:00 p.m. TRADE SHOW Scotiabank Convention Centre, Hall A 9:00 a.m. Main Plenary Hall B D 1 ST CONCURRENT DIALOGUE AND STRATEGY SESSIONS Education This session will focus on an update from CCOE and NIEC on the path forward for First Nations K 12 education, following from resolution #35/2014 which calls for the engagement in an honourable process with the Government of Canada as outlined in the draft Framework for a Federal Act for First Nation Education adopted by Chiefs in Assembly. CCOE and NIEC will outline a suggested engagement process and next steps to address the ongoing chronic underfunding of First Nation education. The session will also include a review of education related resolutions. Howard Burston, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Land Rights and Claims Land Rights and Claims encompass several distinct areas, most notably comprehensive and specific claims as well as additions to reserves (ATR). With the recent change in governments, and the commitment to work with First Nations to fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a critical opportunity may exist to advance these issues. The session will begin with an update on each policy area, and then provide participants the opportunity to engage in a dialogue regarding possible ways to advance each issue. Regional Chief Ghislain Picard, Quebec/Labrador Chief Maureen Chapman, Chiefs Committee on Claims Co Chair Chief Harry St. Denis, Chiefs Committee on Claims Co Chair Jack Woodward, Q.C. 4
A B C ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY TWO Wednesday, July 13, 2016 Fisheries AFN Fisheries will provide an overview on national fisheries priorities that includes a new proposed interdepartmental process to address federal legislative reforms, policy reviews and opportunities that will advance and support the collective interests of First Nation fisheries in co management and governance regimes. This interactive session will provide opportunities for discussions and elicit input on a proposed multi agency process, the National Aquaculture Working Group, National Indigenous Fisheries Forum, implementation of Supreme Court Decisions and the endpoint cabinet directive that impacts fish allocations. Regional Chief Roger Augustine, New Brunswick/P.E.I. James MacDonald, Council of Yukon First Nations Water/Housing/Infrastructure Budget 2016 offers an unprecedented opportunity to address the infrastructure needs for First Nations. The majority of the $4.6 billion available is targeted for First Nation projects in the areas of housing, water and wastewater, waste management, shelters and community infrastructure. The session will start by providing an overview of the budget and a discussion of the time constraints imposed on spending during the first two fiscal years. A facilitated dialogue session will follow, providing participants with summary of discussions to date and seeking input on the way forward from the audience. Regional Chief Kevin Hart, Manitoba Regional Chief Craig Makinaw, Alberta Jayshree Thakar, Habitat for Humanity Chief Lance Haymond, Eagle Village First Nation Economic Development This strategic session will offer information on the key dialogue outcomes from the First Nations Energy Forum held in Vancouver, BC in February 2016. This session will include two additional and distinct updates on First Nations labour market and federal strategy renewal, as well as an overview on work toward a First Nations gaming and lottery scoping paper. The session is an opportunity to provide advice to the Chiefs Committees on Economic Development and the Chiefs Committee on Human Resources Development. Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson, British Columbia Regional Chief Bobby Cameron, Saskatchewan Richard Nerysoo, Chiefs Committee on Economic Development Steve Williams, Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle Chief Stan Grier, Chief Committee on Human Resource Development Roger Jones, Legal Advisor Matt Vickers, CEO, Generating for 7 Generations Dean Manywounds, Chairman, Indian Resource Council Stephan Buffalo, President and CEO, Indian Resource Council 5
10:35 a.m. A Main Plenary Hall B B ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY TWO Wednesday, July 13, 2016 2 ND CONCURRENT DIALOGUE AND STRATEGY SESSIONS Life Promotion for Youth This session will be youth led and focused on initiatives that seek to improve outcomes for First Nations youth through various sectors that include health and social development, economic development, education and environment. Young people will share their expectations of leadership to create the necessary conditions for them to be nurtured and thrive in their families and communities. Regional Chief Morley Googoo, Nova Scotia/Newfoundland AFN Youth Council Co Chairs, Andre Bear (SK), Jennifer O Bomsawin (QC) Chief Rusty Garrioch, Cross Lake First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme, Cowessess First Nation Charlie Cheechoo, Project George/Moose Cree First Nation Emergency Management The four pillars of emergency management are mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and forest fire suppression activities. Emergency events are becoming more severe and frequent due to climate change and First Nations are impacted more acutely. This session will provide an update on emergency management issues affecting First Nations and an opportunity for two supportive partners, the Red Cross and Transport Canada, to share their comments on their roles. Regional Chief Craig Makinaw, Alberta Conrad Sauvé, President/CEO, Canadian Red Cross Anne Marie Noël, Senior Program Officer, Transport Canada Chief Leo Friday, Kashechewan First Nation Child Protection (solutions and authorities) The intent of this session is to explore the possibility and potential of First Nation s (Indigenous) Child Protection jurisdictional mechanisms. Key leaders who have successfully achieved jurisdictional control and consequently improved safety, security and stability for First Nation s children will share how other First Nations can do the same. In addition, suggested strategies to ensure the full and proper implementation of the historic Human Rights Tribunal s decisions in the provision of child welfare services and Jordan s Principle will also be offered. Regional Chief Kevin Hart, Manitoba Ray Shingoose, CFS Agency Director Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society Tracey O Donnell, Legal Counsel Child Well Being Adrienne Pelletier, Anishinabek Nation 6
ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY TWO Wednesday, July 13, 2016 First Nations Health Governance and Implementing Jurisdiction D This strategy session will provide information on the work of the Chiefs Committee on Health (CCOH) and the AFN Health team, health priorities and important upcoming activities, including work related to the Health Accord. For the first time, First Nations, Inuit and Metis will be included in the Health Accord discussions that set broad priorities for the provincial and territorial health systems across the country. This session will outline the work of identifying First Nations health priorities to date and the plan moving forward. In addition, updates will be provided on the NIHB Joint Review and 2016 AGA Health related resolutions. Regional Chief Isadore Day, Ontario Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief Doug Kelly, Sto:lo Tribal Council Economic Development Continued from previous session C 12:00 p.m. LUNCH BREAK 1:00 p.m. CLIMATE ACTION & ENVIRONMENT Main Plenary HALL B 1:20 p.m. DIRECTION FORWARD/RESOLUTIONS Honourable Catherine McKenna Minister of Environment and Climate Change Education Regional Chief Bobby Cameron, Saskatchewan Main Plenary HALL B Land Rights and Claims Chief Maureen Chapman, Chief Harry St Denis Fisheries Regional Chief Roger Augustine, New Brunswick/P.E.I. Water/Housing/Infrastructure Regional Chief Kevin Hart, Manitoba and Regional Chief Craig Makinaw, Alberta Futures for Youth Regional Chief Morley Googoo, AFN Youth Council Emergency Management Regional Chief Craig Makinaw, Alberta Child Protection Regional Chief Kevin Hart, Manitoba Economic Development Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson, Richard Nerysoo 4:00 p.m. ON TIME RESOLUTIONS 5:00 p.m. Our Sisters in Spirit Film Screening Fallsview Theatre A A Celebration of Six Nations: The Artists All Star Talent Showcase Scotiabank Convention Centre, Hall C 6:00 P.M. 7
ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY THREE Thursday, July 14, 2016 6:00 a.m. IndigenACTION: Wake up! Shake Up! Zumba! HILTON HOTEL 6:30 a.m. PIPE CEREMONY Scotiabank Convention Centre HALL B 7:30 a.m. REGIONAL CAUCUS SESSIONS Scotiabank Convention Centre HALL B Alberta B Atlantic Room 204 Ontario C Quebec D Manitoba Room 201/202 Saskatchewan Port Colbourne Lounge Territories Room 205 British Columbia A 9:00 5:00 p.m. TRADE SHOW Scotiabank Convention Centre, Hall A 9 10:25 a.m. A Main Plenary Hall B B 1 st CONCURRENT STRATEGY AND DIALOGUE SESSIONS Climate Action (1) The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) seeks to support First Nations as leaders with respect to the environment to help ensure access to information needed for sound decision making and the exercise of First Nations responsibilities. This session will consist of a facilitated interactive dialogue with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, on the issue of climate change. Interactive Dialogue on Climate Action with Minister McKenna Safety and Security for Indigenous Women and Girls In 2015, the Prime Minister s mandate letter to Minister of Indigenous Northern Affairs, Status of Women and Justice and Attorney General of Canada states: develop in collaboration, an approach to, and a mandate for, an inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls in Canada. An update on the inquiry process will be shared together with key actions federal and provincial/territorial partners from the National Roundtable on MMIWG can take immediately to create conditions that keep Indigenous women and girls safe and secure. Therese Villeneuve, AFN Women s Council Chair Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson, British Columbia Languages In 2015, the Prime Minister s mandate letter to the newly appointed Minister of Canadian Heritage states: Work in collaboration with the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs to provide new funding to promote, preserve and enhance Indigenous languages and cultures. Recognition, respect, co operation and partnership are the principles by which the newly elected government has promised to work. During this session, panelists will update the Chiefs in Assembly on the progress to date and plans going forward. Regional Chief Morley Googoo, Nova Scotia/Newfoundland Tracey Herbert, First Peoples Cultural Council Tim Thompson, Mohawk Language Champion 8
10:35 a.m. 12:00 p.m. A Main Plenary Hall B B 12:00 p.m. LUNCH BREAK ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY THREE Thursday, July 14, 2016 2 nd CONCURRENT STRATEGY AND DIALOGE SESSIONS Climate Action (2) This session will focus on the work of the AFN s newly created Advisory Committee on Climate Action and the Environment, and work that is underway in preparation for the next Conference of the Parties (COP 22) on climate change that takes place in Morocco in November 2016. The Advisory Committee on Climate Action and the Environment (ACCAE) Regional Chief Bill Erasmus, NWT Regional Chief Isadore Day, Ontario Regional Chief Kevin Hart, Manitoba Policing and Public Safety This session will examine and advance solutions related to the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission s calls to action related to justice and safety. Dialogue will be focused upon bridging gaps in services within the justice system, supporting community safety plans and protocols, important roles and responsibilities of urban police forces as well as the essential nature and sustainability of First Nations police services. Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson, British Columbia Lori MacDonald, Head of Public Safety for First Nations Policing, Public Safety Canada John Domm, First Nations Chiefs of Police Chief Clive Weighill, Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Treaty Implementation and Enforcement Canada was built on Treaty. Canada s history reflects a long commitment to treaty making. Within this long history, Treaty holders have expressed concerns about the Crown s commitment to Treaty enforcement and implementation. This dialogue session will bring together both Crown and First Nation speakers to discuss the current state of the Treaty relationship in Canada. Regional Chief Mike Smith, Yukon Joe Wild, Sr. Assistant Deputy Minister, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Chief Lynn Acoose (Treaty 4) Chief Paul Prosper (Peace & Friendship) Chief Dean Sayers (Robinson Huron) Chief Don Tom (Douglas Treaty) Rick Hill (Treaty of Niagara) 1:00 p.m. IN MEMORIUM Main Plenary HALL B 1:15 p.m. RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL UPDATES NIB Trust Fund / Audit and Finance Committee Jaime Baptiste Co chair NIB Trust Auditor: Anne Marie Ethier, Partner, Deloitte Day Scholars Class Action Joanne Gottfriedson Independent Assessment Process (IAP) Stuart Wuttke, Assembly of First Nations 9
ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY DAY THREE Thursday, July 14, 2016 1:40 p.m. AFOA Canada Terry Goodtrack, CEO 1:45 p.m. DIRECTION FORWARD/ RESOLUTIONS Climate Action Regional Chief Bill Erasmus, NWT Regional Chief Isadore Day, Ontario Regional Chief Kevin Hart, Manitoba Safety and Security for Indigenous Women and Girls Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson, British Columbia Therese Villeneuve, AFN Women s Council Chair Main Plenary Languages Regional Chief Morley Googoo, Nova Scotia/Newfoundland Health Governance and Jurisdiction Regional Chief Isadore Day, Grand Chief Doug Kelly, Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee Policing and Public Safety Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson, British Columbia Treaty Implementation and Enforcement Regional Chief Mike Smith, Yukon 4:00 p.m. RESOLUTIONS/DECISION MAKING LATE RESOLUTIONS time permitting 4:30 p.m. CLOSING REMARKS CLOSING CEREMONIES 10