What is the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) at afn.ca?

Updated

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. It is not a government department or a service provider you apply to; it is an advocacy body that takes direction and fulfills mandates as directed by First Nations-in-Assembly through resolutions.

Who the AFN represents and how it is directed

The AFN's authority flows from its member First Nations, not from itself. Two structures carry that direction:

  • First Nations-in-Assembly — elected Chiefs or proxies from member First Nations. The AFN hosts two Assemblies a year where mandates and directives for the organization are established through resolutions.
  • Executive Committee — an elected National Chief and Regional Chiefs from each province and territory. This committee is guided in turn by representatives from five national councils: Knowledge Keepers, Youth, Veterans, 2SLGBTQQIA+, and Women.

So when the AFN takes a position, it is acting on a mandate set by the Chiefs in Assembly rather than on an independent agenda.

What the AFN actually works on

The organization's work is organized into four broad areas, each with its own focus:

Area What it covers
Rights & Justice Pursuing positive changes to legislative, policy and common law principles in support of First Nations rights
Community Services Advocating for comprehensive social development services for over 600 First Nations communities
Environment & Lands Helping First Nations exercise rights to self-determination and jurisdiction with respect to the environment
Economy & Infrastructure Advocating for improved economic policy, programs, services, incentives, economic relations, and increased revenue development

How to use the site

If you are trying to understand the AFN's current positions or take part in its processes, three sections are the most useful:

  • Our Work / About Us — explains the advocacy mandate and the resolution process that sets it.
  • Upcoming Events — lists Assemblies and forums where mandates are established and issues are discussed. Recent listings include the First Nations-First Ministers' Meeting 2026 (Oct 26, 2026, Ottawa), the Special Chiefs Assembly 2026 (Dec 08–10, 2026, Rogers Centre Ottawa), and the 3rd Annual National Natural Resources Forum (Feb 01–04, 2027, Montreal).
  • Latest News — press releases and statements, such as the National Chief's remarks on First Nations priorities as the fall session of Parliament begins (published Sep 17, 2026).

The Featured Event section highlights larger gatherings, such as the 4th National Climate Gathering — Strengthening First Nations Climate Leadership: Braiding Relationships, Knowledge Systems, and Inherent Responsibilities (Oct 05–08, 2026, Hamilton Convention Centre).

What the AFN is not

  • It is not a body that grants individual benefits, status, or funding — it advocates on policy and rights.
  • It does not speak for every First Nation on every issue; its positions come from resolutions passed by the First Nations-in-Assembly.
  • It is distinct from federal or provincial governments, even though much of its advocacy work is aimed at them.

If your question is "who speaks nationally for First Nations in Canada on federal and international issues, and how are those positions decided," afn.ca is the primary source. If your question is about a specific community's services or membership, the AFN points back to the direction set by member First Nations rather than administering those matters itself.