Bill C-15 | UN Declaration | UNDRIP

Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a critical priority for First Nations. The Assembly of First Nations has successfully advocated for a federal commitment to introduce implementation legislation in 2020.

Border Crossing

First Nations have Indigenous and Treaty rights to travel and trade freely across the US-Canada border.

Communications

The Communications Unit of the Assembly of First Nations is mandated to ensure that all First Nations receive timely and relevant information on various international, national, provincial, regional and local issues, priorities, policies and decisions that can impact First Nations.

Economic

The Assembly of First Nations Economic Partnerships Sector focuses on advocating for improved economic policy, programs, services, incentives, economic relations, increased revenue development options and strategic economic development.

Education

Advocating for First Nations Control of First Nations Education to ensure that students actualize their inherent and Treaty right to a high quality, linguistically and culturally appropriate education.

Environment

The Assembly First Nations’ (AFN) Environment unit supports First Nations exercising their Inherent and Treaty rights over all terrestrial, aquatic and ocean habitats and resources, while facilitating and coordinating national First Nations perspectives on policy, program and legislative developments.

Finance

The Assembly of First Nation`s Finance department is responsible for ensuring that funds are being used appropriately and administered in a manner consistent with government guidelines, regulations and all relevant legislation. The Finance department ensures that AFN is and remains transparent and accountable to First Nations in Canada.

Fiscal Relations

It’s time for a new relationship between First Nations and Canada, and that includes a new fiscal relationship. First Nations are seeking long-term sufficient, predictable and sustainable funding to support their citizens and build strong communities and strong nations.

Health

The Health Unit is mandated to protect, maintain, promote, support and advocate for First Nations inherent, Treaty and constitutional rights, (w)holistic health and the well-being of First Nations.

Housing, Infrastructure, Water and Emergency Services

Rooted in the needs and aspirations of the community and reflective of the cultural identity of First Nations people.

Implementing the United Nations Declaration

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples sets out the individual and collective rights of Indigenous peoples, as well as their rights to culture, identity, language, employment, health, education and other issues.

International Advocacy

Chiefs-in-Assembly have directed AFN engagement in international activities and mechanisms to advance First Nations rights. Therefore, the AFN is mandated to pursue an international dimension to its advocacy and activities.

Lands and Claims

Treaty-making processes were undertaken in the spirit of peaceful co-existence and mutual respect by First Nations with the Crown.

Lands and Claims

Treaty-making processes were undertaken in the spirit of peaceful co-existence and mutual respect by First Nations with the Crown.

Languages and Culture

Languages and Culture On June 21, 2019, the Indigenous Languages Act received Royal Assent. Based on direction from First Nations, the AFN is advocating for legislation to establish long-term, sustainable, consistent, appropriate approaches to support First Nations in their efforts to recover, reclaim, maintain and normalize First Nations languages. ...

Legal Affairs and Justice

The Legal Affairs & Justice Unit is primarily responsible for providing legal advice and support to all areas of the Assembly of First Nations to ensure that the organization’s activities are conducted in accordance with the AFN Charter, governing policies and relevant jurisprudence.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Ending Violence

Through resolution and the direction of First Nations, the AFN has been mandated to address the critical situation of violence, disappearance, and murder of First Nations women and girls.

Nation Building and Re-building: Supporting First Nation Governments

Alternative Financing Options for Capital Infrastructure, Citizenship as Catalyst for Nation-Building, Dialogue with National First Nation Organizations ~ Accountability, Outreach and Service ...

Parliamentary Relations

AFN advances the rights and interests of First Nations nationally by: advocating for the advancement of aboriginal and treaty rights and interests of First Nations in Canada ...

Residential Institutions

Between the 1860s and 1990s more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were required to attend Indian Residential Schools, institutions operated by religious organizations funded by the Federal Government.

Social Development

Healthy, safe and sustainable First Nations communities through an inclusive, holistic and culturally-based social development system that promotes First Nations control and jurisdiction.