b'AFN SCAHonouring PromisesAssembly of First Nations Annual Special Chiefs Assemblyheld to set priorities and assess programs Batchewana First Nation Chief Dean Sayers with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Chief R. Donald Maracle with Minister of Indigenous Services Marc MillerT he Chiefs of Ontario wereChief Kirby Whiteduck and Ontarioare being discussed. This includes not well represented at theRegional Chief RoseAnne Archibald,only having a seat at the First Ministers Assembly of First Nationswho welcomed the chiefs and delegatestable but also hosting an ongoing First (AFN) Special Chiefsto Ontario and gave them an updateNations Meeting on First Nation prior-Assembly on December 3 to 5, 2019,on issues and priorities occurringities, as per AFN Resolution. I brought in Ottawa.within the province. this message on behalf of the National Over 1,600 First Nations leaders,Regional Chief Archibald alsoChief, the AFN Executive and other Elders and Knowledge Keepers,reported on her meeting with Premierleadership who believe that communi-women, youth and other delegatesDoug Ford, which she said providedcation and an equal partnership is gathered on unceded territory of thea much-needed opportunity for openparamount. These meetings signal for Algonquin Nation under the themedialogue with the Premier and membersme that the provincial government Honouring Promises, which gaveof the Ontario cabinet. is moving forward to create a better everyone a chance to assess progressMy message was simple and clearrelationship with the First Nationsand set priorities and strategic direction we must work together and Firstbut we must continue to enhance and for the coming year. This was the firstNations must be included in all sectorsstrengthen that relationship.Assembly since the federal election,in order to improve the lives of FirstIn his opening remarks, AFN so it also provided an opportunity toNations peoples. Particularly, FirstNational Chief Perry Bellegarde set out engage with representatives from theNations need to be at any decision- some key priorities for the new federal new government. making table that directly impacts ourgovernment, consistent with the agenda On day one, the Assembly heardrights, especially at The Council of thein Honouring Promises: 2019 Federal from ministers in the new federalFederation biannual meeting, she said.Election Priorities for First Nations cabinet, and federal and provincialWhile it was an opportunity toand Canada, released just before the leaders, including Marc Miller, the newmeet briefly with a number of thefederal election. Minister of Indigenous Services Canada.Premiers and Ontario Ministers, FirstIts an agenda for transformative Opening Prayer was done by ElderNations must play a larger role at thechange based on the real needs of our Rose Beaudoin, as well as a welcome bytable where our rights and prioritiespeoples and the values we have always 40l ISSUE 2 2019/20C hIEfS ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazInE'