(Drums and song open the Assembly of First Nations’ annual general meeting in Halifax Tuesday. Photo/Trina Roache)
By Tim Fontaine
APTN National News
HALIFAX–Chiefs from across the country gathered in Halifax Tuesday for the annual meeting of the Assembly of First Nations which will focus on the election of the next national chief, education, natural resource development, and residential schools.
But in his opening remarks Quebec AFN regional Chief Ghislain Picard, who is the designated spokesperson for the chiefs’ executive, said the organization will also be taking a long hard look at itself.
“It is a unique time in the history of the Assembly of First Nations,” Picard told the chiefs.
Picard said the organization needs to change with the times. Discussions on reforming or restructuring the AFN are scheduled for Wednesday.
“This is a vital discussion that requires our best thinking and commitment. As the longest serving regional chief, I can tell you that restructuring and reorganizing has come up many times over the life of this assembly. It is a sign of the assembly’s ability to adapt and evolve as our governments and nations move forward,” he said.
Picard also told the assembly chiefs will hash out when the next election for national chief will take place. The election has been on the minds of many Chiefs and observers. Picard is a possible candidate.
“We have never had a national chief resign prior to the end of their term. Part of all our work today is to identify a time and a place for the next national chief’s election,” said Picard.
In his speech, Picard stressed chiefs should remain committed to moving forward on First Nation education. The proposed First Nation Control of First Education Act (FNCFNEA) and former National Chief Shawn Atleo’s support of it, ultimately lead to his resignation.
Picard drew applause when he congratulated Chief Roger Williams of the Tsilhqot’in Nation on their recent landmark Supreme Court victory. He called the declaration of Aboriginal title a first and says it’s a wake-up call for Canada to recognize and deal with First Nations reality.
The meetings run until Thursday.
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