AFN attends Summit

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British Columbia Regional Chief Shawn Atleo headed an AFN delegation that participated in the Summit of the Americas held in Monterrey, Mexico, Jan. 10 to 12. The delegation attended meetings of civil society organizations and ministers of foreign affairs.

On Jan. 12, Atleo presented Prime Minister Paul Martin with two key recommendations, which appeared to be well received. The recommendations were "that steps be taken to establish an effective and fully funded permanent forum of Indigenous peoples within the Organization of American States" and that "the Assembly of First Nations offer to co-host a second Indigenous Summit of the Americas prior to the 2005 Argentina Summit, in co-operation with our Indigenous brother and sisters."

Atleo said, "the number of participating Indigenous groups was disappointing, and the national chief should be credited for ensuring that we had a delegation ready, to make sure that the needs and rights of our people are expressed."

According to Atleo, the AFN's participation in Monterrey marks just the early signs of a potential to have a greater say in national policy, international trade and economic policies that have a direct effect on Aboriginal people throughout Canada. He said the work needs to continue both at home and abroad.

"As part of the AFN's responsibility to better the conditions and the lives of our people and to protect our rights and title, the Summit meetings can help to continue the work initiated by national chief Fontaine and the Assembly of First Nations, to dialogue with Paul Martin's government and to learn from Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas." Atleo said.

In 2001, the AFN hosted the first Indigenous Summit of the Americas. The Summit brings together heads of state of 34 countries in the Americas to deal with economic, social, military and political issues.