UPDATED - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Atleo and Members of National Executive to Set Out Expectations for Meeting Between First Nations and Prime Minister

January 9, 2013

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PRESS CONFERENCE WILL NOW TAKE PLACE THURSDAY JANUARY 10, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. ET

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, together with members of the AFN national executive committee, Saskatchewan Regional Chief Perry Bellegarde and British Columbia Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould, will address media at the National Press Theatre tomorrow to set out clear expectations in advance of the January 11 meeting of a delegation coordinated by the Assembly of First Nations and Prime Minister Stephen Harper and members of Cabinet.

                                DATE:                  Thursday January 10, 2013

                                TIME:                   2:00 p.m. ET

                                LOCATION:        National Press Theatre
                                                              150 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON

“First Nation planning discussions and dialogue continue today.  It is essential that this important dialogue continues, and we will set out objectives for Friday’s meeting at a press conference Thursday,” said AFN National Chief Atleo today from Ottawa.

National Chief Atleo and the AFN national executive have been coordinating planning efforts since last Friday’s agreement by Prime Minister Harper to meet with a delegation of First Nation leaders January 11.  This work includes developing clear expectations and benchmarks for outcomes of the meeting reflective of First Nation priorities and expectations for change.  

Regional Chiefs Bellegarde and Wilson-Raybould are leading the national work in areas (Treaties and Lands and Economy) that will be the focus of Friday’s working meeting.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow us on Twitter @AFN_Updates and @AFN_Comms.  

-30-

For more information please contact:

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or e-mail jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email agaron@afn.ca