b'ABOUT USAbout the AFNT he Assembly of FirstCHRONOLOGY OFNations (AFN) is a nationalNATIONAL CHIEFSadvocacy organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada, which includesWalter Dietermore than 900,000 people living in(born May 31, 1916; died Sept. 7, 1988) was a Cree member 634 First Nations communities and inof the Peepeekisis Indian Band in Saskatchewan. Mr. cities and towns across the country. Dieter was one of the founders of the National Indian First Nations leaders (Chiefs) directBrotherhood and served as the first National Chief from the work of the AFN through1968 to 1970.resolutions passed at Chiefs Assemblies, which are held at leastGeorge Manueltwice per year. The AFN National Executive is made up of the(born Feb. 21, 1921; died Nov. 15, 1989) was a member of National Chief, 10 Regional Chiefs and the chairs of the Knowl- the Shuswap Nation of the Neskonlith Indian Band in edge Keepers, Womens and Youth councils. Regional ChiefsBritish Columbia. are elected every three years by Chiefs in their regions. Chiefs, who are elected by the citizens and members of their respectiveNoel Starblanketcommunities, elect the National Chief every three years. (born Sept. 26, 1946; died Apr. 15, 2019) was a Cree member The role of the National Chief and the AFN is to advocate onof the Starblanket Indian Reserve in Saskatchewan. In behalf of First Nations as directed by Chiefs-in-Assembly. 1971, he was elected Chief of his community at the ageThis includes:of 24the youngest Chief in Canada at the time.facilitation and coordination of national and regionalDelbert Rileydiscussions and dialogue;is a member of the Chippewas of the Thames reserve advocacy efforts and campaigns; in Ontario.legal and policy analysis;David Ahenakew communicating with governments; and relationship building between First Nations and the Crown (born Jul. 28, 1933; died Mar. 12, 2010) was a Cree member as well as between both public and private sectors and theof the Ahtahkakoop Indian Reserve in Saskatchewan. general public.George Erasmusis a member of the Dene Nation in theA Declaration of Northwest Territories. FIRST NATIONS Ovide Mercrediis Cree from Grand Rapids, Manitoba. He began his role as We, the Original Peoples of this land, know the Creatora political advocate for First Nations in the late 1960s. put us here. Matthew Coon ComeThe Creator gave us laws that govern all our relationshipsis a Cree member of the Mistissini Cree Nation into live in harmony with nature and humankind. northern Quebec. The laws of the Creator defined our rights and Phil Fontaineresponsibilities. is Ojibwe from Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba. The Creator gave us our spiritual beliefs, our languages, our culture and a place on Mother Earth which providedShawn A-in-chut Atleous with all our needs. is a Hereditary Chief from the Ahousaht First NationWe have maintained our freedom, our languages and ourin B.C. traditions from time immemorial. Perry Bellegarde (Current) We continue to exercise the rights and fulfill the responsi- is a Cree member of the Little Black Bear First Nation in bilities and obligations given to us by the Creator, for theSaskatchewan. He served as Chief of the Federation of land upon which we were placed. Saskatchewan Indian Nations and Saskatchewan Regional The Creator has given us the right to govern ourselvesChief for the Assembly of First Nations. He has also served and the right to self-determination. as the Tribal Chair of the Touchwood-File Hills-QuAppelle Tribal Council and Councillor and Chief of Little Black The rights and responsibilities given to us by the CreatorBear First Nation. He was elected AFN National Chief on cannot be altered or taken away by any other Nation. December 10, 2014.38 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'