National advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada.
Turtle Island
Joined March 2009
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The AFN has developed a draft Results Framework to track progress toward the system change envisioned in the First Nations Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Policy Framework. We are now seeking feedback on the indicators within this framework to ensure they accurately reflect outcomes and support meaningful evaluation.
Submit your feedback to [email protected] by November 6, 2026.
Explore the materials below:
• Infographic: ow.ly/7UT45100GZW
• Read more: ow.ly/u8AV5100GZR
Are you attending the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly taking place December 8-10, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario? The AFN has secured a group rate for #AFNSCA2026 participants staying at hotels in downtown Ottawa. Visit the AFN website and make sure to arrange your accommodation before the deadline: ow.ly/6CJK5100Ila
Are you travelling to Toronto, Ontario, for the AFN 2nd National First Nations Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum? Be sure to check out the flight and train promotion codes available for forum attendees. For more information, visit: ow.ly/AFSi50ZYEm8. #AFNHomelessnessWellnessForum
In February 2026, First Nations Income Assistance (IA) case managers and administrators gathered at the AFN 6th Annual National Forum on Income Assistance to exchange insights and best practices for the reformed IA Program. Participants identified key challenges, including housing and food insecurity, limited healthcare access, employment and training barriers, transportation issues, staffing constraints, infrastructure gaps, and restrictive policies.
The AFN’s What We Heard Report summarizes these discussions and highlights innovative solutions to address IA Program gaps. Discover more: ow.ly/vGt05100GBE
Calling all First Nations Chiefs! The deadline to submit resolutions for the 2026 Special Chiefs Assembly is October 30, 2026. Resolutions guide the AFN’s work and ensure your First Nation's priorities are heard. Access the resolution template and important information on registration, accommodation, and travel at the #AFNSCA2026 website: ow.ly/sZSE5100GAc.
First Nations leadership and technicians are invited to join Chiefs of Ontario and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for a Virtual Information Session on the new Federal Food Security Strategy and the Food-Link Fund. Register and discover how the strategy can support food sovereignty and access to funding.
The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) will be collaborating with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) staff to host a Virtual Information Session on the new Federal Food Security Strategy and the accompanying Food-Link Fund.
Registration: coo.smudging.ca/Meeting/Regi…
Hotel deadline reminder! Have you registered for the AFN 2nd National First Nations Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum? The AFN has secured preferred hotel group rates for all event participants. Be sure to book your stay before October 27, 2026! Learn more: ow.ly/JAN950ZZRj1. #AFNHomelessnessWellnessForum
AFN National Chief @chiefcindyafn met with Mr. Justin Mohamed, Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People, and welcomed him to the AFN Executive Committee meeting yesterday. It was an engaging discussion on shared priorities, rights and title, and opportunities for collaboration. Mr. Mohammed spoke to Australia’s First Nations International Engagement Strategy, released in July this year.
First Nations have the right to develop and implement education systems that reflect their priorities, cultures, languages, and ways of knowing.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s UN Declaration Act affirm First Nations’ rights to self-determination in education. First Nations control of First Nations education is essential to building strong education systems.
The First Nations Education Infrastructure Capital and Operations and Maintenance Needs Assessment highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports these rights, priorities, and First Nations children. Learn more: ow.ly/nJav50ZYCbJ. #RightsToEducation #InvestInOurFuture
Sponsorship opportunities! The AFN is seeking sponsors for events taking place during the Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) in Ottawa, December 8-10, 2026. This is your chance to connect with First Nations from across the country, support community initiatives, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen your business profile. If you’re interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected]. More information: ow.ly/le4O50ZWv8F. #AFNSCA2026
Honouring the Legacy of Jordan River Anderson:
October 22 marks the birthday of Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation who was born with complex medical needs. Jordan spent his life in hospital while governments disputed responsibility for the costs of his care. Jordan passed away in 2005 at the age of five, before he could ever return home to his family.
Jordan’s story became the foundation for Jordan’s Principle – a child-first legal rule intended to ensure that First Nations children receive the health, social, and educational services and supports they need without delay or denial due to jurisdictional disputes.
The Assembly of First Nations honours Jordan’s legacy and continues to advocate for the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle and substantive equality for First Nations children.
Sponsorship opportunities! The AFN is seeking sponsors for the 2nd National First Nations Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum. With over 450 delegates expected to attend, this is your chance to showcase your organization, build meaningful connections, and support positive change. To learn more about sponsorship, reach out to the AFN’s Housing and Infrastructure sector via email at: [email protected]
We are proud to celebrate Cheyenne Joseph, Director of Health at the AFN, on her induction into the Canadian Academy of Nursing!
Meet the 2026 Fellows 🎓 We’re proud to introduce Cheyenne Joseph, one of 10 nursing leaders who will be inducted into the Canadian Academy of Nursing on October 28.
Cheyenne is a Mi’kmaw Registered Nurse from L’sitkuk First Nation whose 23-year nursing career includes advancing First Nations health policy at the national and international levels.
Her leadership has spanned First Nations health, institutional reconciliation, and community-based care, with a strong commitment to advancing First Nations self-determination in health.
Join us online as we welcome Cheyenne and the 2026 class of Fellows into the Academy.
🔗 Register for the Fellowship Induction Ceremony: ow.ly/bYO250ZXkjl
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Faites connaissance avec les Fellows de 2026 🎓
Nous sommes fiers de vous présenter Cheyenne Joseph, l’une des 10 chefs de file en soins infirmiers qui seront intronisés à l’Académie canadienne des sciences infirmières le 28 octobre.
Cheyenne est une infirmière autorisée mi’kmaq de la Première Nation de L’sitkuk. Au cours de ses 23 années de carrière en soins infirmiers, elle a notamment contribué à faire progresser les politiques de santé des Premières Nations aux échelles nationale et internationale.
Son leadership s’est exercé dans les domaines de la santé des Premières Nations, de la réconciliation institutionnelle et des soins communautaires, avec un engagement profond envers l’avancement de l’autodétermination des Premières Nations en matière de santé.
Joignez-vous à nous en ligne pour accueillir Cheyenne et la cohorte de Fellows de 2026 au sein de l’Académie.
🔗 Inscrivez-vous à la cérémonie d’intronisation des Fellows :
ow.ly/bYO250ZXkjl
#CanadianAcademyOfNursing #NursingLeadership #CNA2026 #FCAN #AcademieCanadienneDesSciencesInfirmieres #LeadershipInfirmier #AIIC2026 #FACSI
Keeping First Nations schools safe requires sustained investment.
The current annual operations and maintenance (O&M) requirement for First Nations education infrastructure is estimated at $550.2 million:
• $418.6 million for schools
• $131.7 million for teacherages
Without adequate and predictable O&M funding, students and staff face unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Discover more in the First Nations Education Infrastructure Research Collection Fact Sheet: ow.ly/476x50ZYC5t. #RightsToEducation #InvestInOurFuture
The AFN is seeking dynamic First Nations speakers, presenters, facilitators, and knowledge holders to share promising practices, innovative initiatives, and community-driven approaches that support First Nations education.
If you are interested in presenting at the 2027 AFN Education Forum, submit your proposal by Monday, November 30th, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Apply to present at the 2027 Education Forum! ow.ly/pqZ550ZYCmO
“First Nations and Albertan voters turned out in huge numbers and stood up for our shared past, present and future in Canada and rejected a divisive proposal that would bring needless upheaval, conflict and uncertainty for everyone,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak on the results of Alberta’s referendum. Read the full release: afn.ca/all-news/press-releas…
Are you travelling to Ottawa for the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA)? Make sure to check out the promotional codes available to #AFNSCA2026 attendees for travel arrangements. For details on registration, hotel accommodations, and sponsorship opportunities, visit: ow.ly/teYB50ZWv7g
"On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we stand in solidarity with Treaties 6, 7 and 8 in encouraging Albertans to vote for unity and against dividing Canadians," National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said yesterday. Read the statement: afn.ca/all-news/press-releas…
On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, we are heartbroken by the serious incident at CFB Wainwright. We offer our condolences to the families who lost loved ones and pray for the recovery of the injured. We stand with those who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Thank you to the emergency personnel responding.
- National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak
We’re one month away from the AFN 2nd National First Nations Homelessness and Mental Wellness Forum! Building on the first forum of its kind held in 2024, this year’s event will bring together First Nations Chiefs, technicians, organizations, and professionals to share perspectives on wholistic and culturally safe approaches to addressing First Nations homelessness. Register here: ow.ly/PsmZ50ZYEmI. #AFNHomelessnessWellnessForum
