Assembly of First Nations

Assembly of First Nations
Type	Political organization

Assembly of First Nations is a First Nation political organization.

In Anishinabek News

• May 2013: The Chiefs of Ontario encouraged this organization to take a more prominent role in opposing the federal education act process in 2013.
• September 2013: The organization, led by Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, provided support for a legal challenge against the use of a racial slur by an Ottawa football team.
• October 2013: The Assembly of First Nations collaborated with CODE to develop the Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Literature.
• November 2013: Bob Watts is a former CEO of the organization and also served as the Chief of Staff to National Chief Phil Fontaine.
• November 2013: The organization hosted the Supporting the Way Forward youth summit in November 2013. Its National Youth Committee seeks to base its mandate on the concerns of community youth representatives.
• November 2013: The organization's National Chief, Shawn Atleo, was scheduled to address the Special Chiefs Assembly in 2013.
• May 2014: The Assembly of First Nations faced internal pressure to refocus on its original purpose of serving as a voice for the people in May 2014. A special assembly of chiefs was scheduled for May 14, 2014, to discuss the direction of the organization following leadership changes.
• May 2014: The Assembly of First Nations held a meeting in Ottawa in May 2014 to determine a strategy for responding to Bill C-33. The organization's national executive met to plan the election of a new leader following a high-profile resignation. A special assembly of the Assembly of First Nations was scheduled at the Westin Hotel to discuss education control.
• May 2014: The organization was directed by a national resolution of Chiefs to reject Bill C-33 in 2014. Patrick Madahbee noted that while the government claimed an agreement existed with this body, it is not a rights-holder for First Nations citizens.
• September 2014: The organization produced a national awareness video titled Early Detection: The Path to a Good Life to promote cancer screening. It collaborated with several health organizations and regional groups to develop educational materials regarding chronic disease prevention.
• November 2014: The Assembly of First Nations partnered with the RBC Foundation to announce the 2014 Heroes of Our Time scholarship recipients on November 7, 2014. The organization helped create the Elijah Harper Memorial Award to promote First Nations education and students.
• November 2014: This organization is among those demanding that the federal government launch a national inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women.
• February 2015: The organization included Denise Stonefish as part of its delegation to a national roundtable on February 27, 2015.
• April 2015: The organization was scheduled to hold an election for the Ontario Regional Chief position in June 2015. The election for the regional leadership role was planned to take place on Treaty 3 territory.
• September 2015: The organization is cited as a body where Aboriginal people participate in leadership elections indirectly. The authors suggested that national organizations like this often function as an unofficial opposition in Canada.
• September 2015: The assembly developed election analysis materials for distribution through community newsletters and social media platforms in 2015.
• October 2015: The organization identified priorities for the 2015 federal election to raise the level of First Nation wellbeing to that of other Canadians. Its leadership advocated for a nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous governments and the federal government of Canada.
• January 2016: The organization hosted a Special Chiefs Assembly where Anishinabek Nation leaders met with federal representatives.
• January 2016: The assembly co-filed a human rights complaint in 2007 regarding the inequitable provision of child and family services. The legal action followed the failure of the federal government to implement two solutions it jointly developed with First Nations.
• February 2016: The organization joined a discrimination complaint against the federal government regarding funding for children's services.
• July 2016: The organization held its annual meeting in Niagara Falls from July 12 to 14, 2016. Participants of the Youth Walk of Hope addressed the assembly on July 12 to discuss the suicide crisis.
• November 2016: Gilbert Deschamps previously worked as a policy analyst for this organization before returning to Robinson Superior Treaty territory in 2013.
• January 2017: The organization held a gathering a week before the December 2017 Thunder Bay event where Indigenous artisans sold traditional crafts.
• January 2017: Arthur Manuel co-chaired the Delgamuukw Implementation Strategic Committee for this organization in 2002. The National Indian Brotherhood was the precursor to this organization.
• March 2017: The organization called for a National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits to respond to national suicide crises. The national executive, including the Elders, Women’s, and Youth Councils, supported the call for the ceremony.
• October 2017: The organization honored Gord Downie with a Lakota spirit name during its national assembly in December 2016.
• November 2017: Autumn Peltier joined Chiefs at this assembly to sign a treaty for the protection of grizzly bears.
• December 2017: The organization held a Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa in December 2017 to discuss national issues. The assembly voted to ask the federal government to reset the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by appointing a new leader.
• January 2018: Valarie McGregor contacted the organization to seek a definition of the term First Nation. A staff member at the organization suggested the term means people.
• April 2018: The organization's then-Chief, Phil Fontaine, met with the Pope in 2009.
• June 2018: Staff from this organization provided presentations during the 2018 Ontario Native Education Counselling Association conference. The organization participated in a forum regarding current developments in Indigenous education.
• August 2018: The organization passed a resolution in 2018 to make disability rights a central issue in all policy and program sectors. The 2018 resolution called for the organization to ensure the 2019 federal budget includes regionalized funding for a national Task Force on Disabilities.
• December 2018: The organization called for immediate action following a report on the Thunder Bay Police Service. Leadership from the organization noted that a lack of trust exists between Indigenous people and non-Indigenous police services.
• March 2019: The organization hosted a Chiefs Assembly where Autumn Peltier shared a message about climate change and sacred water. Autumn Peltier met with the assembly in 2016.
• June 2019: The organization passed a resolution demanding that the federal government uphold Article 29 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• June 2019: Autumn Peltier has brought her message regarding water advocacy to this assembly.
• August 2019: Lance Copegog represented the youth of the Anishinabek Nation at the national level with the Assembly of First Nations.
• September 2019: The assembly co-filed a human rights case in 2007 regarding the discriminatory funding of child and family services.
• October 2019: The organization provided analysis on party platforms during the federal election. It published a document outlining priority issues for First Nations and Canada during the 2019 campaign.
• October 2019: The assembly co-filed a human rights case in 2007 alongside the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada. The case led to a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling ordering compensation for families and children.
• December 2019: Chantal Dostaler anticipated that the government of Canada would likely approach the assembly regarding dog sledding.
• March 2020: The organization held its Special Chiefs Assembly in Ottawa in December 2019. Anishinabek Nation leaders met with their regional chiefs during this assembly to discuss the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement.
• March 2020: The Executive Committee of the Assembly of First Nations declared a national state of emergency on March 23, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization called for increased resources and funding provided on a needs and equity basis, particularly for remote and isolated communities. The Assembly of First Nations demanded that First Nations leadership be meaningfully involved in all government decision-making regarding pandemic legislation and budget allocations.
• July 2020: The organization acted as an intervener in the Robinson Huron Treaty annuity court case. National Chief Perry Bellegarde described the Phase Two court decision as a significant victory.
• August 2020: The organization signed a protocol agreement with the federal government in July 2020 regarding the transfer of child and family services. The agreement is intended to advance the transfer of child and family services to First Nations.
• November 2020: The organization first released a policy regarding First Nation control of First Nation education 48 years prior to 2020.
• December 2020: The organization held its Annual General Assembly in December 2020 where vaccine distribution was a primary topic. Chiefs at the assembly voiced concerns to the federal government about protecting vulnerable Indigenous populations.
• January 2021: Phil Fontaine served three terms as the National Chief of this organization.
• March 2021: The organization will hold its 42nd Annual General Assembly in Toronto during July 2021. It will acquire the sole property rights of selected Indigenous artwork for use in promotional materials and clothing. The 2021 gathering will include the National Chief Elections.
• March 2021: The organization collaborated with the Government of Canada and First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies to reach a funding resolution.
• May 2021: A 2013 fact sheet from the Assembly of First Nations estimated a backlog of 80,000 housing units in First Nation communities as of 2005. The organization projected that over 130,000 additional housing units would be needed by 2031 to accommodate community growth. The assembly reported that the average lifespan of a home on a First Nation reserve is approximately 20 years before requiring major renovations.
• May 2021: The organization filed a statement of support for the Anishinabek position during the Ontario appeal process.
• June 2021: Nathan Wright gained experience in government relations through his work with the Assembly of First Nations.
• June 2021: Glen T. Hare proposed building a stronger relationship with this organization to find solutions for First Nation communities. The proposed collaboration aims to improve government procurement, COVID-19 programming, and economic stimulus efforts.
• June 2021: The Ontario Regional Chief serves as a member of this organization's Executive Committee.
• July 2021: The organization issued a statement from its National Chief on July 2, 2021, regarding the emotional impact of residential school site recoveries. The group represents First Nations people across Canada.
• July 2021: The organization's outgoing National Chief, Perry Bellegarde, stated there were no guarantees of success for the Indigenous delegation visiting the Vatican.
• November 2021: The organization's National Chief, RoseAnne Archibald, issued a statement regarding the accountability of the Catholic Church. The group advocated for the completion of the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #58.
• December 2021: The organization postponed a planned December 2021 delegation to the Vatican because of health risks associated with the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Officials from the group expressed hope that the meeting between Indigenous representatives and Pope Francis would be rescheduled for 2022.
• January 2022: The assembly was recognized by Reg Niganobe for its role in negotiating a unified approach to child welfare funding with the federal government.
• March 2022: The organization held its 5th Annual Water Symposium as a virtual event from February 15 to 17, 2022. The symposium featured presentations on the status of drinking water advisories and updates on class action litigation settlements.
• March 2022: The organization is finalizing a delegation to meet with Pope Francis in Vatican City on March 31, 2022. The group intends to seek an apology for the genocide and violence committed in Catholic-run residential institutions. The delegation includes survivors, youth representatives, and thirteen delegates from across Canada.
• June 2022: The organization scheduled its Annual Assembly for July 5-7, 2022, in a hybrid format.
• July 2022: The organization signed a historic $20 billion settlement agreement on July 4, 2022, to compensate families and children for discriminatory funding practices. The organization worked for six months alongside legal counsel and the federal government to finalize the compensation structure for the Moushoom and Trout class actions. Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse stated that the settlement recognizes that fair treatment of children was historically not the policy or practice of the government.
• August 2022: The organization held its 43rd Annual General Assembly from July 5 to 7, 2022, using a hybrid format for in-person and online attendance. The 2022 assembly was hosted on the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Wauthuth nations.
• September 2022: The Assembly of First Nations provided support for the creation of the Indigenous Lacrosse Association during its 2018 annual general assembly.
• March 2023: The Assembly of First Nations held a Winter Assembly where Resolution 40/2022 regarding Jordan's Principle was passed by consensus. The organization conducted strategic planning for health transformation in February 2023.
• April 2023: A delegation from the organization held a press conference during the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to highlight Indigenous priorities. The group included RoseAnne Archibald, Joe Alphonse, and other regional Indigenous leaders.
• June 2023: George Manuel served as the National Chief of this organization from 1970 to 1976.
• July 2023: The organization held a virtual Special Chiefs Assembly in June 2023 to address harassment allegations against its National Chief. It was led exclusively by men from its inception until the election of RoseAnne Archibald. As of July 2023, there is no mechanism for status Indians to speak to the organization's politics apart from through chiefs and proxies.
• August 2023: The organization was a joint complainant in a 2007 human rights case regarding the inequitable funding of child and family services. The legal efforts of the organization contributed to a $23.4 billion settlement agreement approved in 2023.
• October 2023: The Assembly of First Nations was a co-filer of a 2007 human rights case regarding discriminatory child welfare funding.
• December 2023: The organization's executive committee approved three appointments to the Settlement Implementation Committee. As of December 2023, it is negotiating long-term reforms to eliminate discriminatory practices in the child welfare system. The group works to advance the collective interests of First Nations communities on national and international matters.
• December 2023: The organization held a National Chief election in Ottawa during December 2023. Candidates for the leadership of this organization presented their platforms to Union of Ontario Indians leaders in late 2023.
• December 2023: The organization works to advance the collective goals of First Nations people and communities on national and international issues. It held an election for the position of National Chief in December 2023 with 461 registered electors. The executive committee of the organization works on regional priorities across Canada.
• December 2023: This organization supports the claim by Ontario First Nations that certain historical Métis communities are a fiction.
• May 2024: The organization scheduled a regional dialogue session in Thunder Bay on May 22, 2024, to discuss the transportation and storage of nuclear fuel.
• May 2024: The organization hosted a dialogue on the transportation and storage of used nuclear fuel at a hotel in Thunder Bay on May 22, 2024. It scheduled a series of sessions across Canada, including events in Fredericton, Toronto, and Vancouver.
• July 2024: Joe Miskokomon stated he has worked with every national chief of the organization since its inception.
• March 2025: The organization held an assembly in Ottawa from December 3 to 5, 2024, attended by Anishinabek Nation leadership.
• April 2025: The organization's National Chief, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, is a featured speaker at the 2025 First Nations Major Projects Coalition conference.
• April 2025: Maurice Switzer previously served as the communications director for this organization.
• May 2025: Irving Leblanc worked for this organization on infrastructure, water, and wastewater systems. Linda Debassige collaborated with Irving Leblanc on various portfolios within this national body.
• October 2025: The organization estimates that Indigenous people are 23 times more likely to face homelessness than non-Indigenous people in Canada. It reported that building and renovating high-quality housing in First Nations would cost approximately $60 billion over five years.
• November 2025: The organization relies on the federal government of Canada for almost all of its funding. Its National Chief is elected by the Chiefs of 634 communities rather than by a direct vote of all status citizens. Under the leadership of Matthew Coon Come, the organization faced significant funding cuts from the federal government.
• November 2025: The organization reports that Indigenous women and girls account for 11% of all missing women in Canada.
• March 2026: The organization is involved in planning the upcoming First Ministers Meeting. Concerns were raised regarding the organization's fragmented approach to regional representation.
• April 2026: A former head of the organization described the Indian Act in 2012 as a boulder blocking the path of collaboration.
• June 2026: The organization has been holding town halls to identify priorities for a meeting with first ministers in the fall of 2026. An annual general assembly for the organization is scheduled for July 15 to 16, 2026, in Ottawa.
• July 2026: Frank Polson sold his paintings at the organization's offices during his time as a travelling artist.