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AFN press release ...

AFN National Chief Accepts Historic 'Rebuilding Our Nations Youth Accord'

OTTAWA, Nov. 1 - Today, hundreds of First Nations youth from across Canada gathered in Winnipeg to complete a draft five-year action plan called: The Rebuilding Our Nations Youth Accord. The Accord will set out specific actions to address health, cultural, economic, political and social issues. A draft of the Accord was presented to AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine and Assembly of Manitoba Grand Chief Ron Evans.

"The Rebuilding Our Nations Youth Accord lays out concrete actions everyone in our community can take to improve the health and social well-being of First Nations, by targeting the greatest needs of our youth," said National Chief Phil Fontaine. "About 60 per cent of your population is under 30 years old. Clearly, addressing youth issues is a priority for our leadership. As National Chief, father and grandfather, I am both proud and hopeful to have received this Accord which is a blueprint towards a better future for our youth and was designed by the youth themselves. It is a remarkable achievement. We are committed to work with them to put the plan into action."

"The very foundation of these recommendations stem back to who we are as people, based on our cultures and languages. This foundation will guide us through the action plan developed by the youth," said AFN National Youth Council Co-Chair Travis Boissoneau.

"This event is a reflection of the unified voice that speaks on the urgency and need for action. First Nations youth participants are calling on leadership to be included and engaged in the political process on all areas," continues AFN National Youth Council Co-Chair Nicole Minde.

"It brings me tremendous joy to see our First Nations youth coming together to develop a five-year action plan. It is our talented youth who have the power to make change; they have the power to make these recommendations a reality," said Assembly of Manitoba Grand Chief Ron Evans. "As a First Nations leader I value the importance of our young people and I look forward to supporting and working together in implementing these initiatives that will benefit all of our people and generations to come."

"Every generation is responsible for the Seventh Generation that is coming up," said Southern Grand Chief Morris J. Shannacappo. "Be the best ancestor you can be."

Some of highlights in the Accord are:

• Mandatory First Nation history curriculum in the public education system and a requirement for all teachers to take mandatory courses in First Nations history;
   
• Recognize First Nations languages as official languages of Canada;
   
• Mobilize First Nations youth in voting campaigns;
   
• Establish a First Nations History Month;
   
• Establish First Nations youth governance systems including regular youth gatherings;
   
• Increase funding to First Nations schools and addressing the crisis in post-secondary funding;
   
• Create healing circles to address intergenerational impacts;
   
• Create environmentally friendly enterprises more aligned with First Nations values;
   
• Strengthen the child welfare system including better support to families as a first measure

The Accord will be presented to the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly, December 11-13, 2007 in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Assembly of First Nations is the National Organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information: Karyn Pugliese, Health Communications (613) 292-1877, kpugliese@afn.ca.