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Assembly of First Nations summer meeting in Winnipeg moved to fall due to wildfires

The Assembly of First Nations' (AFN) annual general assembly, which was scheduled to be held in Winnipeg in July, has been postponed to September due to wildfires impacting many First Nations across the country.

Move meant to ensure 'safe participation' in annual general assembly, free up hotel space for evacuees

Stefan Richard · CBC News ·
A helicopter flies above a forest. Smoke rises from a fire in the trees.
A helicopter crew works on a wildfire as another is shown flying by in northern Manitoba during a helicopter tour in the surrounding area of Flin Flon, Man. on June 12. (Mike Deal-pool/The Canadian Press)

The Assembly of First Nations' (AFN) annual general assembly, which was scheduled to be held in Winnipeg in July, has been postponed to September due to wildfires impacting many First Nations across the country.

The annual general assembly of the AFN, a national advocacy organization for more than 630 First Nations, was scheduled to take place at the city's RBC Convention Centre July 14-17.

The annual gathering brings hundreds of First Nations leaders and delegates together over three days to discuss and set national priorities for the year through resolutions passed by chiefs and proxies in attendance.

"Many communities are actively engaged in emergency response efforts, and current conditions are impacting travel, accommodations, and the ability of delegates to participate in national gatherings," read an AFN statement issued June 12.

"The AFN remains committed to supporting meaningful and safe participation for all member First Nations in the AGA."

According to Indigenous Services Canada, as of June 17, there are 25 First Nations are impacted by wildland fires, and 31 First Nations evacuated including 11 communities in Manitoba. In total, 26,888 individuals are currently evacuated from First Nations due to the fires.

On June 9, the Province of Manitoba asked people to reconsider non-essential travel in the province to prioritize accommodations for evacuees.

Woman with dark slicked back hair wearing a grey blazer speaks into a microphone at a podium.
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson says the move will free up hotel space for evacuees. (Prabhjot Singh Lotey/CBC)

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, which represents 63 First Nations in the province, said they were trying to respect the space needed for families that have been evacuated.

"It just makes things easier to free up those hotel spaces and people, our families, are not being kicked out of their rooms because other events need to be accommodated," said Wilson.

The event has been rescheduled to Sept. 3-5 in Winnipeg.

AFN said it will reimburse registration fees paid for the July AGA and all reservations under AFN hotel blocks will be cancelled.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stefan Richard

Stefan Richard is a reporter for CBC Indigenous, based in Treaty 1 territory. His work has appeared on Corus Radio, Native Communications Inc., APTN, NPR, and Slam Wrestling. Stefan is a proud member of Sagkeeng First Nation.

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