Media.Knet.Ca

AFN press release 

AFN issues seven point challenge to Government in advance of the second National Day of Action to be held on May 29th

OTTAWA, May 28 - The Assembly of First Nations is calling on all Canadians to join them in a peaceful march and rally in Ottawa on the second National Day of Action on May 29th. In advance of the rally, the AFN has issued the following seven point challenge to the Government of Canada:

1. Reform the System by working with First Nations to set aside the legislation that controls our lives - the Indian Act - and replace it with First Nations involvement in local-decision making power and responsibility;
    
2. Ensure Results by implementing the recommendations of the Auditor General of Canada on accountability;
    
3. Establish Fair Funding by ending the discrimination against First Nations children. This means providing fair funding in core programs like education and child and family services;
    
4. Commit to Equality of Outcomes by closing the gap in the quality of life between First Nations and other Canadians within ten years, as agreed to by the leaders of federal, provincial, territorial and First Nations governments;
    
5. Focus on the Future by setting as priorities education and revenue sharing from resource development to help First Nations build their economies and take their place in Canada's economy;
    
6. Respect First Nations Rights and the Rule of Law by honouring the legal obligations set out in the Treaties, the Constitution, international law and the Supreme Court of Canada;
    
7. and finally, Recognize the Rights of First Nations Governments in Canada - Support the rights, roles and responsibilities of First Nations as an order of government in Canada.

Event: National Day of Action
 
Date: Thursday May 29, 2008
 
Time: 10:00 am Victoria Island - public gathering and rally followed by march to Parliament Hill
1:00 pm - Rally on Parliament Hill
 
Location: Ottawa

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

For further information: Joan McEwen, Communications Director, Assembly of First Nations, (613) 241-6789 ext. 242, cell (613) 324-3329, jmcewen@afn.ca;. Don Kelly, Communications Advisor, Assembly of First Nations, (613) 241-6789 ext. 334, cell (613) 292-2787, dkelly@afn.ca.