Closing the Gap Between First Nations and Canada: An agenda for action
Chief Perry Bellegarde
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde is calling on all Canadians to support closing the gap between First Nations and Canada. The gap is the vast difference in the quality of life experienced by First Nations people and non-Indigenous Canadians. The gap is well-documented and is holding all of us back from building a healthy and thriving First Nations and a stronger Canada. Now is the time for reconciliation, and we can only achieve reconciliation by closing the gap through fair fiscal arrangements and respect of First Nations fundamental human rights.
In his inaugural address to The Vancouver Board of Trade, National Chief Perry Bellegarde will set out a plan and a vision for comprehensive and collaborative change to close the gap. The National Chief will explain why First Nations priorities are Canada's priorities and he will explain efforts the AFN is making to ensure these priorities are addressed during this federal election.
About the Speaker
Perry Bellegarde was named Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief on December 10, 2014. He has spent his entire adult life putting into practice his strong beliefs in the laws and traditions instilled in him by the many Chiefs and Elders he has known over the years. Passionate about making measureable progress on the issues that matter most to First Nations people, National Chief Bellegarde is a strong advocate for the implementation of Inherent Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. Widely known as a consensus builder with a track record of accomplishment, he brings community people, leaders, Chiefs and Elders together to focus on working cooperatively to move issues forward.
National Chief Bellegarde is from the Little Black Bear First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory. He served as Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Saskatchewan Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations. He has also served as the Tribal Chair of the Touchwood-File Hills-Qu'Appelle Tribal Council, Councillor for the Little Black Bear First Nation and Chief of Little Black Bear First Nation.
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