Bellegarde says First Nations need to be included in foreign policy

September 28, 2015. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde says the Munk Debate on Canada's foreign policy with federal party leaders demonstrates the need for greater inclusion and focus on First Nations and Indigenous priorities in the last weeks leading up to the federal election. "Indigenous rights are human rights, and federal leaders must show commitment to action with First Nations and Indigenous peoples globally," said Bellegarde. The AFN is convening an open forum on First Nations and the 2015 federal election on Oct. 7, at the Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort in Enoch. There will be discussions on First Nations priorities, regional approaches and activities on voting and maintaining momentum throughout the election and beyond. Federal party leaders have been invited to the forum to engage with First Nations.