Assembly of First Nations summer meeting in Winnipeg moved to fall due to wildfires
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.
Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, which represents all 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.
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