MCK external meetings in Ottawa

Several important meetings are being attended outside of the territory, requiring the attendance of the External Government Relations (EGR) Portfolio Team and Technicians from the Office of the Council of Chiefs (OCC). Today, Ohenton Í:rate ne Ratsisahiens Cody Diabo is in Ottawa attending the Iroquois Caucus General Assembly. Ratsénhaienhs Jeffrey Diabo is in Ottawa participating in preliminary discussions for the Assembly of First Nations’ (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly that is scheduled to run from today until December the 5^th. They are both joined by Nitsénhaienhs Iohahí:io Delisle and Ryan Montour, as well as OCC Technicians. Additionally, Diabo has a scheduled meeting with the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anan-dasan-garee at a Kahnawà:ke/Canada Relations table.

Key agenda items for discussion at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly include: Health, Healing, and Justice: Addressing systemic challenges in healthcare, mental health, and justice for First Nations people; Infrastructure and Economic Development: Exploring solutions to improve infrastructure and create economic opportunities for First Nations communities; Lands, Rights, and Justice: Focusing on the protection of land rights, additions to reserve process, tax exemption, and support for First Nations Schools class-action; and Long Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and Jordan’s Principle: Advocating for reforms to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and rights of First Nations children and families. The Iroquois Caucus and AFN Special Chiefs Assembly are vital platforms for First Nations leaders to address pressing issues affecting their communities. The delegation is dedicated to ensuring that Kahnawà:ke’s voice is heard during these critical discussions. Diabo stating: “The presence of the entire EGR Portfolio team and some of our OCC Technicians at the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly is crucial in taking full advantage of having so many political representatives all in one place. Our goal is to hold meetings and establish new and diverse political relationships at the event, and their expertise and support are essential in advancing Kahnawà:ke’s interests.”

The Delegation will return to Kahnawà:ke at the conclusion of the assembly.