The Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly on the DRAFT United Nations Declaration National Action Plan (SCA) will take place April 3-6, 2023, in Ottawa, Ontario. The SCA will be held at the SHAW Centre located at 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 9J2.
Resolution 17/2021 directs the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) to advocate for full and sufficiently resourced First Nations participation in the co-development of a National Action Plan (NAP) to implement the UN Declaration in Canada and align Canada’s laws, policies, and regulations with the UN Declaration (UNDA Section 5 and 6). It also directs the AFN to report back to the Chiefs in Assembly at every national gathering on the status of the NAP until it is made public, and explicitly calls for a dedicated SCA to be held before the tabling of the NAP by Canada on June 21, 2023.
Accordingly, the objective of this meeting is to provide Chiefs and technicians the opportunity to:
- Hear from the Government of Canada on Canada’s current draft National Action Plan, with opportunity for questions and debate; and,
- Review, debate, and recommend content and recommendations for inclusion in Canada’s final National Action Plan.
Agenda
Registration
Where does your registration fee go?
Chiefs from across the country generally come together twice a year to set strategic direction based on community needs and priorities. The Chiefs Assemblies provide the venue for First Nation leaders to direct the work of the Assembly of First Nations, the National Chief and National Executive through resolution. It is just one way First Nation leaders bring forward the concerns and priorities of First Nation members.
Registration fees help to offset the direct costs of organizing Chiefs Assemblies, including facility rentals, audio/visual equipment, interpretation services, webcasting, registration services, facilitators, translation, signage, Elder honorarium, and drum groups.
Fees:
- Chief/Proxy (Proxy letter required): Complimentary
- First Nation Citizen: $450.00
- Grand Chief: $450.00
- Band Councillor: $450.00
- Observer and Non-Government Organization: $800.00
- Other Governments: $800.00
- Senior Citizen (age 65 and older): $50.00
- Students (valid student card required): $50.00
- Veterans: Complimentary
- Elders: Complimentary
- Accredited Media: Complimentary
Registration Process
Photo identification will be requested at registration for Chiefs and Proxies.
All participants and groups are encouraged to pre-register and pre-pay, even if your registration is complimentary. There will be separate line-ups at the event for those who pre-register and pre-pay in advance of the Assembly.
- Register ONLINE at afn.ca. You will receive a confirmation email once registered. VISA, MasterCard and American Express accepted.
- Complete the registration form included in this notice and FAX it to Tash Cote at 613-241-5808 or by email to [email protected].
Registration forms and payment must be received before entry into the Assembly. You may also register on-site with your payment.
Please note that registration fees are non-refundable after March 24, 2023. An administration fee of $50 will apply for all cancellations prior to March 24, 2023.
Onsite pre-registration will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Shaw Centre on Level 3. For planning purposes and to avoid line-ups, all delegates are encouraged to pick up badges at this time
Travel
Indigeno Travel is the preferred travel agency of the AFN. Indigeno Travel is Indigenous owned and its service comes complete with conference discounts, 24/7 emergency service for unforeseen flight changes, and a dedicated agent for personalized service. Please contact Indigeno, toll-free at 1-888-202-8262, or by email at [email protected] to make your flight arrangements.
WESTJET
Applicable Rules
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa
- The travel period begins: 3/26/2023
- The travel period ends: 4/15/2023
- No discount will apply to Basic or Business class bookings.
Coupon Code: Guest web/Travel Agent web – 0F3K7XP
Promo Code: Travel Agent GDS only – YBD60
AIR CANADA
Applicable Rules
- The booking is to be made to the following city: Ottawa, YOW (ON)
- The travel period begins Sunday, March 26, 2023 and ends Saturday, April 15, 2023.
- Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
- For North America’ 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel’ 10% on standard fares & higher.
- However, all bookings made using the promotion code will count toward the minimum 10 passenger requirement for Meetings and Conventions events.
Here is the code for the Air Canada travel discount: N8TDVQR1
Hotel Accommodations
The AFN has a block of hotel guestrooms at the following Ottawa hotels.
Ottawa Westin
11 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa ON K1N 9H4
Tel: 613-560-7000
Rate: Traditional (single/double) – $249.00
Deluxe (Parliament view – single/double)- $299.00
Suites (single/double) – $499.00 and up
Additional person – $40.00
Link to Book: Book your group rate for Assembly of First Nations – 2023
Les Suites
130 Besserer Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 9M9
Rate: One Bedroom Suites – $249.00
Executive King Suites – $279.00
Reservations: (613) 232-2000
Toll free: (800) 267-1989
Email: [email protected]
Quote Group Code: 32901 or Special Chiefs Assembly
Online:(https://www.reseze.net/servlet/WebresResDesk?hotelid=1743&groupId=32901&nightsStay=5&arrivalMonth=4&arrivalDay=2&arrivalYear=2023)
Lord Elgin
100 Elgin Street
Ottawa, ON K1P 5K8
Rate: Classic – $205.00
Parkview – $215
Reservations: 1-800-267-4298
Email: [email protected]
Quote Group Code: AFN Special Chiefs’ Assembly
Le Germain Hotel
30 Daly Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2
Rate: Classic – $279.00
Signature King – $299.00
Reservations: 613-691-3230
Toll Free: 1-833-503-0030
Quote Group Code: AFN Special Chiefs Assembly
Online: https://reservations.travelclick.com/102910?groupID=3794841
For all hotel reservations, please indicate that you are with the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly and utilize the conference code indicated for each hotel. Delegates are encouraged to make hotel reservations by the noted date to ensure accommodations are available at the price listed.
All expenses (travel, meals, guest rooms) with respect to attending the AFN SCA-UNDA are the responsibility of the guest/group to cover and clear upon departure.
Resolutions
Sponsor Acknowledgements
If you are interested in being a sponsor to one of our events during the SCA-UNDA, please contact [email protected] or 613-241-6789.
Accessibility (Disability)
The Assembly of First Nations is honoured to host the Special Chiefs Assembly to enable persons of all abilities to participate fully and equally.
For questions about accessibility (disability) or to request support during the event, such as American Sign Language interpretation, interpretation Langue des Signes Québécoise, reserved seating for those who use mobility devices, access to a quiet room for those with sensory processing disabilities, Braille materials, etc.
Please contact [email protected]. Requests should be made at least by March 24, 2023.
SCA-UNDA Information
Please visit the AFN website at www.afn.ca or contact the following individuals for more information:
SCA-UNDA Registration Inquiries
Tash Cote
Email: [email protected]
SCA-UNDA Coordinators
Joyce McDougall
Telephone: 613-241-6789, ext. 199
Fax: 613-241-5808
Email: [email protected]
Veronica Wemigwans
Telephone: 613-241-6789, ext. 146
Fax: 613-241-5808
Email: [email protected]
On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we look forward to seeing you in Ottawa!