The annual Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly has officially begun in Ottawa, bringing together Indigenous leaders from across Canada to discuss important issues and make decisions for their communities.
The three-day event, which started on Tuesday, is being held virtually this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of a virtual format, the assembly is expected to be a crucial opportunity for First Nations leaders to come together and address pressing matters facing their communities.
One of the key topics on the agenda is the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The declaration, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2007, outlines the individual and collective rights of Indigenous peoples and provides a framework for reconciliation and cooperation between Indigenous communities and governments.
National Chief Perry Bellegarde, who is serving his final term as leader of the Assembly of First Nations, has emphasized the importance of implementing UNDRIP in Canada. In his opening address, Bellegarde stated that “the time for talk is over, the time for action is now” and urged the federal government to work with Indigenous communities to fully implement the declaration.
Other issues on the agenda include the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, the need for clean drinking water in First Nations communities, and the impact of climate change on Indigenous lands and ways of life.
The assembly also provides an opportunity for First Nations leaders to meet with federal government officials and advocate for their communities’ needs. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is scheduled to address the assembly on Thursday, where he is expected to face tough questions and calls for action from Indigenous leaders.
The Assembly of First Nations represents over 900,000 First Nations people in 634 communities across Canada. The Special Chiefs Assembly is a crucial event for these communities to come together, share their perspectives, and work towards a better future for all Indigenous peoples in Canada.
