Policy Areas
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Coalition BuildingCoalition Building AFN Resolution No. 10/2007 recognizes that the current status and projected growth of the Canadian economy represents substantial investment and business opportunity for Canada and First Nations. The Chiefs-in-Assembly also recognize that the National Day of Action, Make Poverty History for First Nations campaign and the AFN Corporate Challenge have helped to increase public awareness of the socio-economic inequalities faced by First Nations people. The resolution mandates the Chiefs Committee on Economic Development (CCED) to continue its work to coordinate, facilitate and build a national strategy on economic development using key themes identified in the First Nation Economic Blue Print, AFN Corporate Challenge and Economic Research Table processes. Key Issues and Activities
The AFN Corporate Challenge is an initiative that calls for increased partnerships, investments, procurement and employment opportunities directly with First Nations communities, and their businesses and citizens. The AFN has made presentations at the following events to promote the initiative:
The AFN has also been actively promoting First Nations’ economic, sport and cultural participation in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. As announced on November 21, 2008, the Olympic Torch Relay will travel though 105 First Nation communities. The AFN Youth Council will also assist in selecting six First Nations youth who will travel with the relay team to serve as torch attendants. Since the Corporate Challenge initiative was launched in January 2007, there has been interest in the challenge from several economic sectors. Associations and corporations have accepted the challenge to enter into a joint work relationship supported by a two-year action plan. These corporations include Bell Canada, Siemens Canada, LIUNA and LIUNA Local 92, the Four Host First Nations for the 2010 Olympics, Royal Bank of Canada, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, and the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC). The AFN has worked with FPAC to discuss a two-year joint action plan on how the forest industry and First Nations can better work together for positive social, economic and sustainable results. The draft action plan includes key activities in access to jobs and training in the forest industry, joint business, environmental performance and promotion, data initiatives, and joint policy concerns. The AFN and FPAC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) during the 2008 Annual General Assembly. The AFN, FPAC, and the federal government are currently organizing a training and employment forestry workshop that will immediately follow the Inter-Nation Trade and Economic Summit in March, 2009. The AFN is also working with other interested delegates on taking up the challenge to increase work relationships with First Nations, through partnerships, investments, procurement, and employment opportunities. The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) has indicated interest. The common ground surrounds the recognized and shared commitment to sustainable mining development that contributes to the economic, social and environmental well-being of First Nation communities. A memorandum has been drafted to express the call for clear, effective and appropriate federal consultation policy; efficient resolution of First Nation land claims; First Nation resource revenue sharing; secure business environments for First Nations and the private sector; collaboration on public policy issues; and partnering on First Nation human resources development issues. Anticipated Achievements by March 31, 2009
On September 6, 2008, the AFN donated a totem pole to the ONEXONE gala auction during the Toronto International Film Festival. Pepsi QTG bid $20,000 for the totem, carved by Dewey Smith, which was the highest bid for any item at the auction. The money raised will go towards ONEXONE’s National First Nations School Nutrition Program. During the 2008 federal election, the AFN contributed to the Make Poverty History “On the Record” election awareness campaign. The video project asked the leaders of the five main political parties a series of questions about their plans to tackle global, domestic and First Nations poverty. The National Chief, MPH chair Gerry Barr and AFN Youth Council co-chair Nicole Minde participated in a media conference on Parliament Hill to launch the “On the Record” campaign.
Anticipated Achievements by March 31, 2009
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