Hundreds of First Nations chief from across the country will arrive in Regina over the next few days to attend the 38th annual general assembly of the Assembly of First Nations.
It starts with a fundraising golf tournament on Monday, then gets down to three days of business dealing with everything from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to climate change.
The theme of the gathering is “Our Priority: Our Children Our Future”, reflecting that the assembly is working for the children and future generations based on a mission to close the gap and build strong First Nations families, communities, and governments.
AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde will address delegates Tuesday morning. Later that day, a number of federal cabinet ministers — including Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennet — will also address the assembly.
On Wednesday, commissioners from the much-embattled National lnquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls will provide delegates with an update.
Treaties, education, health, and jobs are also topics up for discussion during the three days. The general assembly will end on Thursday afternoon with closing remarks and ceremonies. About 400 chiefs are expected to attend.