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AFN Press Release

First Nations from Across Canada to Gather in Moncton, NB for Assembly of First Nations Annual General Assembly

OTTAWA, July 7, 2011 /CNW/ - First Nations from across Canada will gather July 12 - 14 in Moncton, New Brunswick for the 32^nd Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly.  Under the theme "The Spirit of Peace and Friendship", hundreds of First Nation Chiefs, youth, Elders, dignitaries and citizens from across the country will meet to engage on strategy and action to address the priorities facing First Nation citizens and communities.

AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo will deliver opening remarks to the Assembly on Tuesday morning.  With the launch of a key discussion document, National Chief Atleo's address will focus on next steps affirming First Nation governments rights and responsibilities, increasing the rate and pace of change and progress and advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Highlights of the first day of the Assembly include (all times local):

• remarks from New Brunswick Premier David Alward on Tuesday at 9 a.m.
• remarks by former AFN National Chief and Chair of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, Georges Erasmus
• presentation by Canadian Human Rights Commissioner David Langtry on First Nations and the Canadian Human Rights Act on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.
• advancing the National Treaty strategy including presentation by former AFN National Chief Ovide Mercredi at 1:30 p.m.
• a special Treaty presentation honouring the work of the late Miguel Alfonso Martinez, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Treaties on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
• launch of the first AFN National Youth Advocacy Award to the late Shannen Koostachin of Attawapiskat First Nation on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
• updates and discussion on international relationships, including the a presentation by H.E. Ambassador David Choquehuanca Cespedes, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.

Media opportunities and special events will take place throughout the week, kicking off Saturday July 9 at Riverside at 4 p.m. with the arrival of the motorcycle ride in support of Indigenous languages (from Ottawa to Moncton) led by National Chief Atleo and the IndigenACTION 5K Friendship Run/Walk on Sunday July 10 at 9 a.m. at Tidal Bore/Riverfront Park.

A full agenda of the AFN Annual General Assembly is available at www.afn.ca.

Additionally, the host communities, Mi'kmaq and Maliseet Nations are hosting a number of special events throughout the week. Visit http://www.xchief.ca/ for more information.

Media are invited to register on-site beginning Tuesday July 12. There is no fee for media.  Reporters are asked to provide appropriate identification onsite.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @NCAtleo, @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.