Assembly of First Nations: Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak Participates in the 79th United Nations General Assembly

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak Participates in the 79th United Nations General Assembly

(September 24, 2024 – New York City, New York, USA) – This week, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York City, on the traditional territory of the Canarsie, Munsee Lenape, and the Wappinger peoples. The theme of UNGA 79 is “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.”

“The United Nations General Assembly is an important forum for advancing First Nations rights, jurisdiction, and authority globally,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “This week, my engagements will include dialogues with various national and international governments and Indigenous organizations, aimed at advocating for the rights and well-being of First Nations peoples. I will also discuss several critical priorities for First Nations, including enhanced participation at the UN, First Nations-led policing and community safety, promoting economic reconciliation, addressing cross-border issues through Jay Treaty rights, and advocating for Canadian support for dedicated investments required to support and advance First Nations priorities.”

"Achieving enhanced participation for First Nations at international forums is a critical aspect of implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This will allow for the direct representation of First Nations' own governments and parliaments, which is essential for First Nations’ global contributions," added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. "As First Nations, we must have the ability to represent ourselves beyond symbolic recognition and to take practical steps that ensure we are directly involved in decisions that affect our communities and lands. I look forward to engaging with global leaders this week to promote and advance First Nations’ voices and perspectives."

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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. 

For more information, please contact:

Genna Benson
Director, Communications
Assembly of First Nations
604-340-3117 (mobile)
gbenson@afn.ca

Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
jamiem@afn.ca

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