1.  What is the National Day of Action? 

• The call for a National Day of Action was put forward and endorsed by Chiefs-in-Assembly at the AFN’s December 2006 Special Chiefs Assembly (resolution 55/2006).
• The National Day of Action is designed to raise awareness and support among the general public and the government for urgent action to address First Nations issues.
• It is an opportunity for First Nations and all Canadians to stand together in support of a better life for First Nations citizens and a stronger, harmonious Canada.

2.  Is the AFN calling for blockades and/or other forms of protest on June 29? 

• No.
• The AFN is calling for a National Day of Action to create awareness and support for action to improve the lives of First Nations.
• We are reaching out to all Canadians and asking them to join us in peaceful rallies and events, and call on the federal government to work with us to build stronger First Nations and a stronger Canada.
• We want to build bridges – not blockades – with Canadians.

3.   The AFN resolution on the National Day of Action seems to call for blockades. Are you going against your own resolution?

• AFN resolution55/2006 does not call for blockades. It calls on First Nations to organize and participate in the National Day of Action.
• The resolution makes reference to a blockade that is being contemplated by a First Nation but does not call on other First Nations to take similar action.
• The AFN is not calling on First Nations to take such action.
• We see June 29 as an opportunity to reach out and build support amongst all Canadians.

4. What about First Nations that do setup blockades – is the AFN supporting or opposing those?

• As stated, we want the National Day of Action to be a positive event for all Canadians.
• As leaders, we fully see that there is growing frustration and impatience amongst our people, so all the more reason for Canada to work with us on a progressive agenda.
• When our people see cooperation and progress it gives them hope. When they see no signs of progress or cooperation they begin to lose hope and feel they have nothing to lose. We have to show them that we are all working towards a better life for our people.

5.  What is it you want?

• Action to improve the quality of life for all First Nations.
• We have set out our plan- the First Nation plan, at Kelowna and through consistently engaging in the Parliamentary process.  This work continues.
•  The AFN is also being proactive and positive in building coalitions with Canadians.
  • We have reached out to the Canadian public through our campaign to Make Poverty History for First Nations.
  • We have reached out to Corporate Canada through the AFN Corporate Challenge.
  • We are encouraged by the tremendous response to these initiatives, but…
• There is only so far we can go without real engagement with the federal government. We cannot deal with fundamental issues – like land, land claims, and building our economies – without the participation of the federal government.
• We can see today that land is becoming a source of tension.
• If we work to resolve these issues we can build a stronger Canada.
• Land is the key to self-sufficiency and a better life for First Nations, and creates opportunities for us to work in partnership with Canada and the private sector.
• First Nations require the ability to manage our land and our lives, to make the decisions that affect our people and our communities.
• This is the promise given to us in the Treaties and in Canada’s own Constitution (section 35 of the 1982 Constitution Act). We are only asking for Canada to honour its promises to First Nations.

6.   The Government says it is moving on First Nations issues. How can you say the government is not acting?

• The reality is that the government has been largely missing in action for First Nations. The most telling sign was being virtually shut out of the recent budget despite warnings from Government officials the crisis in our communities is getting worse due to shrinking levels of funding for basic services.
  • Drinking water: no real action. Instead, the Minister made a report that claimed progress yet, from what we can see, the progress was largely due to a different set of measurements used.  Moreover, the Task Force set up by the Minister made important recommendations that called for significant investment – yet- the only promise out of Ottawa is for tougher regulation.  Regulation without investment only serves to victimize our people further.
  • Protecting women and children: no action. A process to deal with Matrimonial Real Property was announced and another report tabled with very good recommendations.  Here again the Minister seems to be ignoring the recommendations that call for real change and investment and again opting to legislate a ‘quick fix’.  This won’t work.  This doesn’t address the problem and this does nothing to serve the interests of First Nations women and children.
  • The government killed the Kelowna Accord and said it would come up with its plan. There is no plan and there is no progress.
  • United Nations Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples:  Canada was showing leadership until this government reversed direction and is actively trying to kill a declaration of fundamental human rights.  This is worse than doing nothing – it is shameful.
  • Claims: This is a major problem for Canada and First Nations and we need action now.
     
• The AFN has been actively presenting the government with real, progressive plans for change. We have the Plans. There is no excuse for not acting.
• The fact that we see signs of growing impatience amongst First Nations citizens shows that the situation in our communities is not improving.
• We are ready and willing to work with this government to create a stronger Canada.

6. What can non-Aboriginal people do to support the National Day of Action?

• Find out if there is a National Day of Action event in your area and participate – stand with First Nations for a stronger Canada.
• Canadian citizens can join the AFN’s Make Poverty History for First Nations campaign
   
  • Sign the online petition at the AFN website (www.afn.ca)
  • Wear a wristband to show you support the cause
  • Call or write your local MP, Minister of Indian Affairs and the Prime Minister to tell them you support action on First Nations issues
  • Organize events in your area to raise awareness and show support a better life for First Nations people
     
• Those in the private sector can support the AFN’s “Corporate Challenge” (information is available on the AFN website at www.afn.ca).
• In general, make your voice heard to the federal government that they must work in partnership with First Nations to create a new era of respect, recognition and reconciliation.