The B.C. Assembly of First Nations has finished their 17th annual Special Chiefs Assembly.
The assembly concluded yesterday with speakers that include, Grace Dove, actress/director, on the first day and Autumn Peltier, water protector, on the final day. Regional Chief Terry Teege acknowledged and honoured National Chief Perry Bellegarde who addressed the BCAFN for the final time as he winds down his time at the Assembly of First Nations.
Other speakers included, Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild who spoke on federal legislation Bill C-15. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, Dr. Daniele Behn-Smith and Dr. Shannon McDonald, acting Chief Medical Officer for the First Nations Health Authority who provided an update on Covid-19 vaccine roll out.
Ontario Nations find themselves losing ground with AFN processes
February 8, 2021
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) began laying the groundwork at its virtual Special Chiefs Assembly Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 to distinguish themselves from some approaches taken by the Assembly of First Nations.
Some of the most telling work comes in the yet-to-be-finalized restructuring of the COO.
“There are areas of the AFN charter renewal work that impact our regional offices and national relationships,” said Rocky Bay First Nation Chief Melvin Hardy, who chairs the restructuring committee.
“Such as a need to clarify the regional chiefs’ responsibility to the AFN and accountability to First Nations that elect them in their respective regions. We need to articulate these relationships and accountabilities in the COO governing documents.”