AFN

National advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada.

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In 1979, students from Attawapiskat First Nation began attending classes in a portable building after fuel contamination damaged their school site.

More than two decades later, young advocate Shannen Koostachin launched "Shannen's Dream," calling for equitable education for First Nations children. Shannen is sadly no longer with us, but her message and memory live on today: every child deserves a safe and welcoming school. Let’s close the First Nations infrastructure gap. #ShannensDream #NIHM2026 #CTIG

Photo source: Women and Gender Equality Canada

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In the 1950s and 1960s, governments across Canada invested heavily in water and wastewater infrastructure for municipalities. But many First Nations communities were excluded from the same level of investment and decision-making authority.

The result of decades of underfunding is visible in communities like Neskantaga First Nation, which has experienced one of the longest-running drinking water advisories in Canada (since 1995).

This National Indigenous History Month, we remember that current water issues are the result of generations of unequal infrastructure investment and call for immediate, urgent action on drinking water. #NIHM2026

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The AFN welcomes athletes and visitors from across the globe to the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted on the traditional territories of First Nations in Ontario and British Columbia!

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Draft agenda for the AFN Annual General Assembly is now available! Explore the lineup of featured speakers, important discussions and ceremonies planned for this year’s Assembly.

Register today and join Chiefs, leaders, Elders, and citizens from across the country as we come together to advance priorities and strengthen First Nations advocacy. Details: https://t.co/d6CqAZHP27. #AFNAGA2026 #UpholdingRights #EmpoweringNations

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Planning your trip to #AFNAGA2026? Flight booking and hotel accommodation codes are available for delegates. Register and access your travel details: https://t.co/SKTmawVdrG. #UpholdingRights #EmpoweringNations

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September 28, 2020: After recording a Facebook Live video depicting racist treatment, Joyce Echaquan tragically died without receiving the medical care she needed. This leads to the creation of Joyce’s Principle, which aims to guarantee the right of equitable access without discrimination to all social and health services, and the right to enjoy the best possible physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. We remember Joyce Echaquan and call for the full implementation of Joyce’s Principle, and for healthcare systems to embed First Nations approaches to health, wellness and treatment. #NIHM2026

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“Real change means ending discrimination, respecting First Nations jurisdiction, and ensuring First Nations are empowered to fully exercise our right to self-determination.” – AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak

Today, National Chief @chiefcindyafn joined Caldwell First Nation Chief Nikki van Oirschot, Senator Paul Prosper, and Caldwell Band Members Theresa Lewis and Lori Kittelberg for a press conference on Bill S-2. The discussion highlighted the Bill as an important step forward in ensuring First Nations have full control over First Nations citizenship. We recognize the ongoing work of Caldwell First Nation and all those involved in advocating to reconnect First Nations peoples with their families, communities and Nations.

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First Nations leaders and Residential School Survivors have fought for decades to bring national attention to the devastating impacts of Residential Schools and systemic injustices facing First Nations. Among those voices was Phil Fontaine, whose advocacy and leadership advanced a national conversation on healing, justice and reconciliation. He helped pave the way for the federal government’s formal apology for the Residential Schools on June 11, 2008. This National Indigenous History Month, we honour the leaders who transformed advocacy into action and commit to pushing for the full implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. #NIHM2026

Photo by Fred Chartrand / The Canadian Press File Photo

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Registration for #AFNAGA2026 is now open! Join First Nations Chiefs, leaders, and delegates from across the country as we come together to advance priorities and foster meaningful dialogue on “Upholding Rights, Empowering Nations.” Secure your spot and register today: https://t.co/JrDHMs65mm. #UpholdingRights #EmpoweringNations

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A significant risk factor contributing to Veterans homelessness is post-traumatic stress disorder, one of the top two medical conditions affecting Veterans. Check out the AFN’s newly released report “Investigating Homelessness Among First Nations Veterans” to explore ongoing barriers for First Nations Veterans accessing benefits and the pressing need for culturally relevant care that advances the priorities and rights of First Nations Veterans who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness. Read more: https://t.co/GTMLhgx3VI. #SupportOurVeterans

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⛳️ We’re excited to announce that the AFN 35th Annual General Assembly Golf Tournament is officially sold out! A heartfelt thank you to all our players and sponsors—your support will help drive meaningful change for First Nations initiatives. We can’t wait to see you on the course and make a difference together. #AFNAGA2026

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December 2007: Jordan’s Principle is created in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a child from Norway House Cree Nation. Jordan’s Principle requires governments to ensure First Nations children receive the care and services they need, when they need them, without delays caused by jurisdictional disputes. It’s a commitment – and an obligation - that no First Nations child should be denied equitable access to health, education, or social supports. Canada must fully honour its obligations under Jordan’s Principle. #NIHM2026

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June is Pride Month—a time to uplift and celebrate the vibrant voices of First Nations 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. For generations, Two-Spirit identities have been valued within our cultures, rooted in teachings of respect, balance, and belonging. Today and every day, we honour the strength, wisdom, and leadership of 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members, and recognize their vital contributions to our Nations across Turtle Island. Let’s stand together in solidarity and pride. #AFNPride #PrideMonth

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First Nations youth are carrying forward languages, cultures, teachings and traditions with strength and leadership. The AFN National Youth Council is involved in many gatherings and forums that advance First Nations-led solution in climate change and language revitalization efforts. This National Indigenous History Month, we celebrate young First Nations leaders who are shaping a strong future for their Nations with their voices and visions. #NIHM2026

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"I look forward to meeting with Her Excellency soon to discuss how we can continue building a strong relationship between First Nations and the Crown.”

National Chief @chiefcindyafn extends her congratulations to incoming Governor General Louise Arbour and looks forward to advancing shared priorities in partnership. Read the press release: https://t.co/Yd88WUb2D1

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Clean water is a fundamental human right — yet many First Nations communities have lived under long-term boil water advisories for years. Youth Advocate Autumn Peltier has brought this issue to national and international attention, speaking out for clean water protection and First Nations water rights. She continues to challenge leaders around the world to uphold environmental justice and act on their commitments. This National Indigenous History Month, we uplift First Nations youth whose leadership continue to shape a more just, sustainable and equitable future. We call on the federal government to bring forward legislation that ensures safe, reliable drinking water for all First Nations. #NIHM2026

*Photo of Autumn Peltier speaking to the importance of protecting our waters and the lands at the AFN AGA 2019

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Our oceans are a source of food, livelihoods, culture, and connection. They are essential to biodiversity, climate resilience, and the well-being of future generations. First Nations have stewarded marine ecosystems since time immemorial. Today, First Nations-led Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) continue this responsibility by protecting lands and waters while upholding First Nations rights, governance, laws, and knowledge systems. Marine #IPCAs help protect biodiversity, support sustainable fisheries, strengthen communities, create Guardian jobs, and contribute to climate action. Healthy oceans require First Nations leadership. This #WorldOceansDay, we call on Canada to support First Nations-led IPCAs and take action to protect marine ecosystems for future generations. Learn more about First Nations-led IPCAs and why they matter: https://t.co/0sDex0rBSD

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First Nations languages are critically endangered due to assimilationist government policies and actions. Dr. Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams, an esteemed scholar, educator, and Knowledge Keeper from the Lil’wat First Nation, has led innovative work in language revitalization and Indigenous education. We honour her contributions to preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages and her leadership in supporting the Indigenous Languages Act. The AFN calls for action now to support First Nations-led approaches to revitalizing our languages. #NIHM2026

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On National AccessAbility Week, the AFN celebrates the work being done to promote more inclusive spaces while recognizing the infrastructure gap that exists in many First Nations communities. Closing these gaps requires sustained investment, joint efforts by all levels of governments, and First Nations-led solutions that reflect community priorities.

Every First Nations person deserves safe, accessible spaces and services – regardless of where they live. By advancing accessibility for First Nations communities, we are building a strong, accessible Canada for everyone. Learn more about our work: https://t.co/X03H5IAjdj. #NAAW2026