(Snuneymuxw Territory, Nanaimo, BC, – Mar. 5, 2020) – The BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) brought together Chiefs and leaders from across British Columbia for two days this week for the 16th Annual Special Chiefs Assembly. Featured speakers at the event included, Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, National Chief Perry Bellegarde (AFN), Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, Quebec Regional Chief Ghislain Picard, Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, and many more. Key discussions were held on issues in justice, fisheries, climate emergency, implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, education and skills training, economic development, cannabis, etc.
BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee stated, “This annual event is an opportunity for British Columbia leadership to assemble, provide updates, hold discussions and set priorities and direction on urgent issues affecting First Nations peoples. We hold up our hands to our leaders who are working so hard for their communities and bringing their voice to these gatherings to provide all of us who attend with guidance and the wisdom of their collective experience.”
During the event Regional Chief Terry Teegee provided drums as special gifts to Kukpi7 Ron Ignace and Regional Chief Kluane Adamek for their exceptional work on behalf of, and for the BCAFN in the areas of First Nations languages and climate change respectively.
The next important meeting, First Nations Leadership Council’s Shared Territories and Overlaps Forum, is taking place next week from March 11 to 13, 2020. More information on this meeting can be found at the following LINK
The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is a Provincial Territorial Organization (PTO) representing the 203 First Nations in British Columbia. BCAFN representation is inclusive and extends to First Nations currently engaged in the treaty process, those who have signed modern treaties, and those who fall under historic treaty agreements which include the Douglas Treaties and Treaty 8.
For further information, contact:
Annette Schroeter, Communications Officer, phone (250)981-6155, BC Assembly of First Nations.