Canada
First Nations leaders prepare for high-level meeting


The Assembly of First Nations is meeting in Regina, Saskatchewan, to prepare for high-level discussions with the prime minister of Canada and premiers of the provinces.

Native leaders have been invited to the First Ministers' Meeting for the first time. They want to ensure that issues like treaties and self-government are high on the agenda in addition to poverty, housing, and health care.

The meeting comes as the Canadian government is under fire for its failure to resolve water problems on a remote First Nation in Ontario. The Kashechewan Reserve is being evacuated because E. coli, a dangerous bacteria, is in the water supply and has been linked to high rates of skin conditions and diseases among residents.

Get the Story:
Poverty, treaty rights to top AFN agenda (CBC 11/1)
Ontario shortchanging First Nations over water, Hampton says (CBC 11/1)

Relevant Links:
Assembly of First Nations - http://www.afn.ca

Related Stories:
First Nations finally invited to top-level meeting (10/24)
AFN presents plan to address First Nations issues (08/10)
AFN to file $12B residential school abuse lawsuit (08/04)
Signs of progress reported for Natives across Canada (07/22)
Natives in Canada see highest rates of domestic violence (07/15)
Assembly of First Nations meets for annual session (07/06)
Report looks at urban Native population in Canada (06/24)
Natives in Canada suffer from high unemployment (06/14)
Canada won't remove asbestos from Native homes (04/27)
More asbestos risks found in First Nation homes (03/18)
Native man can't get help for asbestos in home (3/17)
Report cites increase in Native gang activity (03/15)
First Nation homes at high risk of asbestos exposure (3/15)
Native leaders say Canada's budget falls short (02/25)
Canada won't remove asbestos from Native homes (01/28)
Another First Nation sues over inadequate housing (12/17)
First Nation says every home contaminated by mold (11/17)
Study finds high infant mortality rate among Natives (11/10)
Canadian Natives report few hate crimes to police (06/02)
Controversial First Nations legislation dropped (01/23)
First Nations leaders meet with new Indian minister (01/15)
Canada's PM chooses new Indian affairs minister (12/15)
Old pick promises new era in First Nations relations (07/17)
Federal officials monitored tribal protest (7/7)
First Nations protest changes in federal policy (04/29)
Aboriginals protest lack of consultation (4/28)
Canadian tribal leaders to meet (07/15)
Indian policy changes opposed (06/18)
Indian affairs overhaul faces delays (6/14)
Consultations halted on Indian policy changes (8/1)