AFN planning “National Day of Political Action” for Sept. 29 to put First Nation issues on agenda
AFN plans national day of political action
BILL CURRY - September 23, 2008
The Assembly of First Nations is organizing a “National Day of Political Action” for Monday Sept. 29 in an effort to get native issues on the agenda during the week when federal leaders will be taking part in debates.
It is part of a broader campaign by the AFN called: “Vote '08, Change Can't Wait!”
An official at the non-partisan organization said the slogan is not calling for a change of government, but rather a change in the government's approach to First Nations issues.
Details are still being worked out, but the AFN envisions the day of action will feature rallies across the country and community meetings in which local candidates outline their party platforms and how they will affect aboriginals.
This will be the third AFN-sponsored Day of Action. The first, in June of 2007, featured a large march in Ottawa while native protesters from Tyendinaga simultaneously shut down Highway 401 east of Toronto.
A second day of action was held in May and featured far less confrontation. The day was largely a series of peaceful rallies across the country calling for action on native poverty.
The Assembly of First Nations is largely funded by the federal government. It acts as the main voice for native Canadians and its policies and leadership are approved by the chiefs of Canada's roughly 633 reserves.