(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) – Over three days this week, October 8 – 10, 2024, the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) held their 21st Annual General Meeting at the Musqueam Community Centre to conduct important business and prepare for upcoming events, including the upcoming BC provincial election scheduled for October 19, 2024, and AFN’s Special Chiefs Assembly next week in Calgary, which will address Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and staff provided details on the Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program draft Final Settlement Agreement and addressed concerns brought forward by Chiefs and proxies.
Premier David Eby addressed the Chiefs-in-assembly and was the only political leader to accept BCAFN’s invitation to attend and speak about the NDP’s platform for the upcoming provincial election. BCAFN encourages all First Nations to take the opportunity to mobilize their power and vote in this important election!
In addition, Minister Arif Virani, Justice and Attorney General of Canada joined the assembly to provide updates and take questions from Chiefs and proxies.
“Chiefs and leadership had the opportunity to discuss the many urgent issues and concerns including the work being done for children and families - long-term reform settlement agreement and Jordan’s Principle non-compliance motion, climate emergency, cannabis governance and jurisdiction, food sovereignty, justice, economic development, border mobility and more,” stated Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “This past year continues to be challenging with the cumulative effects of climate change impacting many First Nations communities, especially with another active wildfire season that began early this year. However, we continue to make progress in several important areas.”
Richard Jock, CEO of the First Nations Health Authority, and staff gave a presentation and took questions and concerns from Chiefs and proxies regarding their recent security breach.
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, BCAFN held an election for a women’s representative. BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee, along with the Board of Directors, representatives, and staff, congratulate Cheryl Rule of Coldwater First Nation on her election to this important role. BCAFN extends heartfelt appreciation to Louisa Housty Jones, the outgoing women's representative, for her dedicated service and hard work over the past six years.
Two candidates for the BCAFN Board of Directors did not exceed the number of available positions, and as a result, they were acclaimed. Congratulations to Chief Jerome Jack of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation, who is continuing to serve an additional 3-year term and new board member Chief Donald Sam of ʔAkisq̓nuk. A blanketing ceremony was conducted to honour outgoing board member Lynda Price, Ulkatcho First Nation and women’s representative Louisa Housty Jones.
22 resolutions were passed during the AGM which provides future business and direction for the BCAFN Regional Chief and staff.
The BCAFN Annual Report 2024 can be viewed on the BCAFN website here