Building upon the dialogue from the 1st National Water Symposium and Tradeshow “Reconciliation Through Sustainable Water Management”, this year the theme will be “First Nations and Water in the 21st Century”.
Access to safe water and proper sanitation is a human right. Most importantly, it is our inherent right to the use and protection of our waters and lands. The protection of water and all living beings that depend on it is the sacred responsibility entrusted to us by the Creator. It is the responsibility of Canada to implement Article 25 of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which states,
Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or otherwise occupied and used lands, territories, waters and coastal seas and other resources and to uphold their responsibilities to future generations in this regard.
About the National Water Symposium
The 2nd National Water Symposium and Tradeshow will provide an opportunity for delegates to hear from others who are engaged in work related to sustainable water management; innovative technologies and new training methods; the ‘standing up’ of First Nations water laws; climate change adaptation; and from others that are leading their own approaches to care and control of water and wastewater. There will panel presentations along with interactive and interesting workshops where participants can both learn and share their own experiences as well as space for ceremony to occur.
Symposium attendees will include: First Nations leadership from across Canada, water technicians, Public Works staff, infrastructure technicians from First Nations, consultants, government officials, non-governmental entities and leading members of academia with an interest in First Nation water issues.
Water Symposium Overview
All activities will be taking place at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario.
The Symposium topics will include:
- Repeal of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act and what it means for First Nations;
- Addressing water quality issues and drinking water advisories;
- Climate change impacts on water quality and quantity;
- Health aspects of water and quality of life;
- Solid waste, water and wastewater treatment innovative technology;
- Sustainable Water Management;
- New approaches to training; and
- Medium and long-term trends in water issues and water governance.
Symposium Agenda:
Monday
February 25, 2019
4:00PM – 9:00PM
Forum Pre-Registration Open
6:00PM – 9:00PM
Welcome Reception
Tuesday
February 26, 2019
8:00AM – 5:00PM
Forum Registration Open
8:30AM – 5:00PM
Tradeshow
9:00AM – 5:00PM
Opening Ceremonies, Plenaries, Panel Presentations
Wednesday
February 27, 2019
8:00AM – 5:00PM
Forum Registration Open
8:30AM – 5:00PM
Tradeshow
9:00AM – 5:00PM
Plenaries, Panel Presentations and Workshop Sessions
Thursday
February 28, 2019
8:00AM – 5:00PM
Forum Registration Open
8:30AM – 5:00PM
Tradeshow
9:00AM – 5:00PM
Plenaries, Panel Presentations and Workshop Sessions
The AFN is undertaking a Call for Presenters process and if you are interested in presenting on a topic related to the Water Symposium theme, please click here:
Water Symposium Tradeshow
As part of the event, the AFN is hosting a Tradeshow, which is an excellent opportunity to showcase your innovative products and interact with First Nation leadership and decision makers, administrators, public works technicians, non-governmental organizations, government departments, and businesses from across Canada. Please contact Larry Whiteduck at [email protected] for more information!
Please note that there are a limited number of Tradeshow booths available for the Symposium and the registration fee for a Trade Show booth is $1,356.00. To obtain a registration form or more information on the Tradeshow, please contact Larry Whiteduck by phone at 613.241.6789, ext. #237 or by email at [email protected].
Registration
Registration Process
Pre-Registration forms and payment must be received at the Assembly of First Nations office by February 22, 2019. An administration fee of $50.00 will apply for all cancellations prior to February 15, 2019; registration fees are non-refundable after February 15, 2019.
Please make cheques payable to the National Indian Brotherhood. Payments and registration forms should be submitted to the attention of Cassandra Serre, Registration Coordinator, 2nd Annual AFN National Water Symposium and Tradeshow, Assembly of First Nations, 55 Metcalfe Street, 16th Floor,
Ottawa, ON, K1P 6L5 or by fax to 613-241-5808 or email to [email protected].
Fees
- First Nation Chief: $300.00
- First Nation Councillor: $300.00
- First Nation Delegate Registration Fee: $300.00
- Corporate/Government Official Delegate Registration Fee: $500.00
Hotel Accommodations
Our host hotel for the Symposium is the
Marriott on the Falls, 6755 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, Ontario.
The room rate is $119-$129/night plus applicable taxes.
- To book your room online, please go to the following link:
Book your group rate for First Nations Water Forum - To book your room by phone, please call 1-877-353-2557 and requesting “First Nations Water Forum” group rate.
DEADLINE: Room rate available only until Monday, February 11, 2019.
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
If your company or organization is interested in sponsoring the 2nd Annual National Water Symposium and Tradeshow, please indicate your interest by email to [email protected]
Travel Discounts
Getting to Niagara Falls
Flight Centre:
If you do not have a preferred travel agent and require assistance making your travel arrangements to the Symposium, please contact Tyler Brennan at Flight Centre Business Travel.
Tyler Brennan, Assistant Manager
Flight Centre Business Travel – Glebe
763 Bank Street – Room B
Ottawa, ON K1S 3V3
Telephone: 613-321-0120
Toll-free: 1-877-565-5295
Fax: 613-321-0426
E-mail: [email protected]
AIR CANADA
Visit www.aircanada.com and enter promotion code in the search panel.
Promotion Code
Your promotion code: 4YBGDC61
Applicable Rules
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Toronto – All Airports (YTZ, YYZ)
- The travel period begins February 23, 2019 and ends March 1, 2019.
- No discount will apply to Basic/Standard bookings for travel within Canada or between Canada and the United States.
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WESTJET
On behalf of our team, we would like to thank you for choosing WestJet for your travel plans. We are happy to confirm that for the upcoming Water Symposium, we are able to offer 5% off Econo* and 10% off Flex and Plus fares for travel within Canada ** into and out of Toronto. To take advantage of this offer, you will need the discount code listed below. Please visit www.westjet.com/conventions to make a booking online.
For travel from February 23, 2019 to March 2, 2019:
Coupon code: L78PM43
Promo code: WDD50
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PORTER AIRLINES
Porter Airlines is proud to offer a discount on available base fares (with the exception of the lowest class fare during a public seat sale) for travel to Toronto.The discounted fares are available for travel from February 23, 2019 to March 2, 2019. Please book online at www.flyporter.com or through your travel agent using promo code AFN13.
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Important information on shuttles from Pearson Airport in Toronto:
Please note that there are no direct flights into Niagara Falls, Ontario. To ensure your spot on the shuttle, it is important to make your arrangements in advance.
The shuttle operates from Toronto Pearson International Airport (1.5 hours from Niagara Falls) and return.
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Niagara Airbus Shuttle:
Instructions for Booking:
(the booking information can be located at www.niagaraairbus.com):
- When booking your shuttle reservation on the first page of the website, select “Shuttle – Shared Ride” for shuttles from Toronto Pearson International Airport or “Exclusive – Private Car” for service from Hamilton.
- Choose the airport where you will arrive as the origin and Niagara Region as the destination.
- Enter conference code 575 as the Conference/Promo Code in order to receive the discounted pricing for Symposium delegates.
- In order to make your reservation you will need to provide your first and last name, airline and flight number, name of hotel reserved in Niagara Falls, and credit card payment information.
The cost for shuttle service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Niagara Falls is $94 plus HST round-trip per person or $68 plus HST one-way per person.
Symposium delegates can also contact the Niagara Airbus reservations line by phone at 905-374-8111 or by email at [email protected]. Please note you will need the conference code 575 when calling or emailing Niagara Airbus Shuttle with questions regarding booking.
Niagara Airbus Shuttle Pick-up Location at Toronto Pearson International Airport: the shuttle pick-up at Toronto Pearson International Airport is located at the Ground Transportation Desk. If you are arriving at Terminal 1, the Ground Transportation Desk is located on the lower level (below Arrivals) Area “R”. If arriving at Terminal 3, the Ground Transportation Desk is near Door C.
There is a waiting area near the Ground Transportation Desk for shuttles to Niagara Falls. Upon arrival, the shuttle bus driver will announce the shuttle name. Please ensure you listen for your shuttle bus to Niagara Falls and reconfirm your name with the driver. The shuttle bus driver will arrive with a list of the passengers that have pre-booked shuttles. The Niagara Airbus shuttle drivers will assist with baggage. The driver will drop off/pick up each guest at the hotel listed on the booking.
Contacts
Registration Inquiries
Cassandra Serre
Telephone: (613) 241-6789
Ext. 160
Fax: (613) 241-5808
E-mail: [email protected]
General Inquiries
Telephone: (613) 241-6789
Fax: (613) 241-5808
E-mail: [email protected]
On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we look forward to seeing you in Niagara Falls.