First phase ends

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Dear Editor:

How can we strengthen the national First Nations organization to be as representative, as inclusive and as effective as possible? The answers and views about this question vary from area to area in our great land.

National Chief Phil Fontaine is committed to posing this question to First Nation citizens and getting direction on how the AFN should evolve as it continues to lobby for the advancement of First Nation rights and issues that face our communities and peoples.

A direct result of the national chief's commitment was the creation of the Assembly of First Nations Renewal Commission. The commission's mandate is to seek input from First Nations citizens (on- and off-reserve and in urban and rural areas) on the AFN and its current structure, as well as their thoughts and views on a national organization that represents all First Nations.

The commission was launched in December 2003 and it became operational in February 2004. Wendy John of the Squamish First Nation in British Columbia and Joe Miskokomon of Chippewas of the Thames in Ontario accepted appointments as co-chairs.

Along with the business of setting up shop and tending to the administrative side of things, the co-chairs' first matter of business was to develop a list of potential commissioners.

Many nominations were received and considered. Based on the number of excellent candidates for the positions, many difficult decisions were made to formulate a group of commissioners that represents the many regions and issues facing First Nations.

Commissioners were chosen for their areas of expertise and experience. The commission is fortunate to include people with backgrounds that deal with community and urban realities, women's issues, Elders, law, northern living, youth, treaties, leadership, traditions and customs, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

The commission is soliciting participation from as many contributors as possible through various means, ranging from direct contact to an online questionnaire posted at www.afn.ca/commission.htm.

Regional public forums are a main tool for outreach. The public hearings, which began in March, allow individuals and representatives of various organizations to exercise their right to share their views, via oral and/or written submissions.

The AFN Renewal Commission has attracted comparable levels of participation to other public commissions of the past, and at a mere fraction of the cost. This success can be attributed to the strong desire of First Nations citizens to contribute and be heard when an important subject such as national representation is discussed.

The volunteer respondents have been quite dynamic in sharing their constructive views. If you have an opinion or view to share, there is still a chance to contribute as the public hearing process winds down.

The final hearings will be held in Slave Lake, Alta. (Oct. 4 and 5); Val-d'Or, Que. (Oct. 20); and Montreal (Nov. 10 and 11).

If you cannot participate in person, please consider sending in written submissions and/or participating in our online questionnaire. Every contribution matters.

The time to act is now. Encourage your local leadership and representatives of First Nation organizations, groups, and entities to participate in the process.

-John Boudrias

AFN Renewal Commission-communications