AFN

Save the date! The AFN will host the Nuclear Waste Management Forum on May 26-27, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario. Under the theme “Navigating Nuclear Waste with Sovereignty and Self-Determination,” First Nations leaders, community members, and technical experts will join important discussions on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), First Nations Knowledge Systems, environmental stewardship, and policy frameworks. Learn more about the event and register: ow.ly/2Wq250YtCkO.

Are you passionate about First Nations-led solutions to climate change? The AFN 4th National Climate Gathering offers you a great opportunity to share your expertise with a diverse audience. We invite proposals on a wide range of topics related to First Nations and climate action. Submit your proposal by April 3, 2026. Learn more and apply: ow.ly/4wMC50YhUjj.

Deadline reminder! Are you looking for a platform to share your First Nations or nuclear industry expertise and help strengthen nation-to-nation dialogue on nuclear waste management? The AFN is seeking proposals from First Nation leaders, knowledge holders, technical experts, and professionals working in nuclear waste management, governance, policy or the nuclear sector for the Nuclear Waste Management Forum. The deadline to submit your application is March 27, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST. Learn more: ow.ly/QBwx50YtCjp.

This morning, National Chief @chiefcindyafn joined Minister of Indigenous Services @MandyGullMasty, Chief Hosea Wesley of Kashechewan First Nation, Chief Robert Nakogee of Fort Albany First Nation, and Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation for a community tour of the Kashechewan water plant. Later, Grand Chief Leo Friday of Mushkegowuk Council joined for a meeting at the local school, where leaders emphasized that every child deserves better. The empty school halls remind us of the urgent need for safe, welcoming spaces where children’s laughter can return.

Are you interested in presenting at the AFN Nuclear Waste Management Forum? The event is a platform for First Nations knowledge sharing, nation-to-nation dialogue, and collaborative decision-making on the critical issue of nuclear waste management. Submit your proposal by March 27, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST. For more information, visit: ow.ly/eEuf50YtCh7.

The AFN will host a Nuclear Waste Management Forum on May 26-27, 2026, on the traditional unceded lands of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation in Ottawa, Ontario. Under the theme “Navigating Nuclear Waste with Sovereignty and Self-Determination,” we invite First Nations Chiefs, technicians, community members, and industry leaders to engage in facilitated dialogue and information sharing on nuclear waste management, transportation, and storage across Turtle Island. This forum will build on the critical feedback provided by First Nations during the 2024 Dialogue Sessions on the Transportation and Storage of Used Nuclear Fuel. Read the final report on the dialogue sessions: ow.ly/oIij50YtCbE. To register, visit: ow.ly/exak50YtCbG.

The momentum from International Women's Day continues as AFN brings together First Nations women leaders at the Women Economic Empowerment & Infrastructure Training. These leaders facilitated meaningful networking, shared their experiences in community building, and exchanged valuable knowledge on financing and procurement tools. Special thanks to keynote speaker Sarah Hopkins, Leona McIntyre, Xavier Hopkins, Sharon Stevenson, and Carolyn Anne Hilton for your inspiring insights and leadership.

Today, AFN National Chief @chiefcindyafn and Minister of Indigenous Services @MandyGullMasty hosted a fireside chat with First Nations women leaders across the country to share stories and build relationships. Women in leadership are the voices and strength of their communities and Nations. The National Chief stressed the importance of continuing this dialogue and ensuring women leaders are included at all decision-making tables.

Call for presenters! The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) invites First Nations leaders, knowledge holders, and technical or policy professionals with direct experience in nuclear waste management, the nuclear sector or community engagement to submit proposals to host sessions at the upcoming Nuclear Waste Management Forum. The Forum aims to support informed dialogue among First Nations by sharing balanced information, community experiences, technical knowledge, and governance perspectives related to nuclear waste management and decision-making. Proposed sessions may address topics such as Free, Prior, and Informed Consent; First Nations sovereignty and self-determination; community decision-making processes; environmental stewardship; technical considerations; and regulatory frameworks. Priority will be given to presenters who bring First Nations perspectives and/or direct professional, technical or community-based experience related to nuclear waste management or the nuclear sector. If you are interested in contributing to this important dialogue, please submit your proposal by March 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Learn more: ow.ly/6Zwk50YsBhi.

Attention First Nations leaders, environmental specialists and dedicated academics: do you have insights to share on First Nations’ approaches to climate action? The AFN invites you to submit a proposal to present at the 4th National Climate Gathering taking place October 5–8, 2026, in Hamilton, Ontario. Submit your proposal by April 3, 2026. Learn more: ow.ly/EWis50YhUbL.

“The Compensation delivered over the past year represents meaningful progress and important recognition for many First Nations children and families harmed by Canada’s discrimination,” said AFN National Chief @chiefcindyafn, marking one year since the first Claims Period opened for the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan's Principle Settlement. Read the press release: ow.ly/UeBM50Ys6bl.

“This day is another step in the right direction,” said Grand Chief Leonard Lazore of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. These sacred belongings carry our culture, spirit, and energy through generations. Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief Linda Debassige shared the love, joy, and relief that these sacred items are finally home, offering good wishes as they continue their final journey back to their Nations. Following the powerful closing prayer provided by Elder Leonard Weasel Traveller, First Nations brothers and sisters joined the Haudenosaunee Round Dance, led by Akwesasne Men’s Singers—lifting our spirits, welcoming the return of First Nations items, and celebrating the strength of our communities. 2/

This morning, Elder Claudette Commanda opened the ceremony welcoming sacred First Nations artifacts home with blessings and prayers—honouring our spirits and strength. A moment many years in the making, today marks an emotional and historic milestone for First Nations across the country. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak emphasized that these sacred items are central to our spirits and highlighted the importance of continuing the work of repatriation in the spirit of reconciliation. 1/

“It is an emotional day, a moment years in the making, and the culmination of decades of advocacy and action by First Nations leaders, Elders and Knowledge Keepers,” said National Chief @chiefcindyafn following today’s uncrating First Nations items that were recently returned from the Vatican Museums archive. Read the press release: ow.ly/rczQ50YrYmI.

On International Women’s Day, the AFN honours the achievements and leadership of First Nations women who inspire positive change in our communities and build a brighter future for the next generation. We acknowledge the vital role of the AFN Women’s Council for championing gender equality and ensuring the voices of First Nations women guide our work. #IWD2026 #GiveToGain

The Assembly of First Nations was founded at a meeting in Penticton, BC on April 20-22, 1982. The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is convening its 22nd Special Chiefs Assembly in Penticton, honouring our shared history and celebrating the AFN’s 44th anniversary. Thank you to the BCAFN for producing a powerful video that pays tribute to the enduring efforts of First Nations to assert our sovereignty and work for a better future for our children. Watch the video here:

Watch the BCAFN Special Chiefs's Assembly - Day 2, 2026 on YouTube here: youtube.com/live/bUU5MTapL…

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak! 🎉 As a trailblazing woman leader and lifelong rights advocate, National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak continues to inspire us all through her unwavering commitment to First Nations communities across Turtle Island. From securing $23.3 billion in compensation for First Nations children and families, to leading the historic return of sacred items and preparing for the first-ever First Ministers Meeting with First Nations—her leadership is making history. Thank you, National Chief, for your good heart, good spirit, and the positive change you bring every day. ❤️

Join us for the 6th session of the AFN Fire Protection Strategy Webinar Series! Learn from practitioners, leaders, and experts as they share practical funding strategies, reporting tools, data management systems, and evidence-based planning approaches Your voice matters—register now: ow.ly/v2nk50XMIqR

Mark your calendar! The 4th National Climate Gathering will take place on October 5-8, 2026, in Hamilton, Ontario. The AFN invites First Nations leaders, environmental specialists and dedicated academics to submit proposals relevant to climate action and First Nation. The deadline for submission is April 3, 2026. Apply here: ow.ly/wq3V50YhU8x.