b'MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEFMESSAGE FROMTHE REGIONAL CHIEFFOR NEW BRUNSWICK AND PRINCE EDWARD ISLANDRoger AugustineG reetings from the NewRoger Augustine forgotten. Children were once again Brunswick and Princeembracing culture by learning traditional Edward Island Regionalcustoms like drumming and dancing, Office of the Assembly of AFN Regional Chief, NB/PEIhunting and fishing, crafts and cooking First Nations. Welcome to all Leaders,8 Gitpo Roadwith the Elders. Parents spent more Elders, delegates and especially theEel Ground First Nation, NBE1V 4E4time with their children, helping with youth to the AFN Annual GeneralEmail: chiefaugustine@hotmail.cahomework and speaking their traditional Assembly. In 43 years of political service,Ph: 506-625-7878 language. I believe that the children were never have I witnessed an event thateven able to teach parents a thing or two both brought out the worst fears forabout family values, their likes, dislikes our people across Turtle Island andand fears, and the value they bring to the brought them closer together. In timesfamily unit. of uncertainty, people tend to turnour children and Elders, they were the towards leadership for support andcornerstone to providing our peopleToday I witnessed a flag-raising guidance. While leaders at the nationalwith a sense of security and belonging.ceremony at one of the non-Indigenous and regional level are compelled toThe respective mental health teamscommunity schools. It reminded me collaborate with the common goal ofwere available (as always) not only forthat there is hope out therehope that keeping our people safe and secure, itcounselling, but to provide an outlet toour next generation sees the good in could not be done as effectively andchildren and adults as the COVID-19all people and races, and that there is empathetically as it has without peoplepandemic left so many with unansweredharmony in not seeing themselves as at the grassroots level.questions, as well as a constant fear fordifferent from everyone else, but different the health and well-being of their LIKE everyone else.I would like to give special considerationloved ones.to the Community Health ProgramsThank you to the community health of New Brunswick and Prince EdwardThe pandemic, however, also provided uscentres, their leadership and staff for Island for their active role in ensuringwith an opportunity to spend more timebeing a part of this hopeful future.the health and safety of the Indigenouswithin our communities. CommunityRoger Augustine people of our First Nations communities.and family members were able to getRegional Chief for New BrunswickFrom ensuring continued health servicesreacquainted and strengthen bonds thatand Prince Edward Island to providing healthy food choices towere always present, but sometimesAssembly of First Nations18 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'