b'KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS COUNCILReport from theKnowledge KeepersS ince the inception of the National Indian BrotherhoodQuebec/Labrador representative and the transition to the Assembly of First NationsWilliam Sunday, Akwesasne Reserve(AFN), there has always been a place of honourNew Brunswick/Prince Edward Island representativeand distinction for Elders that is evident within the Charter of the Assembly of First Nations. The AFNEldon Bernard, Tobique First NationKnowledge Keepers Council (the Council) provides bothNova Scotia/Newfoundland representative spiritual and political guidance to the AFN. During the pastPhyllis Googoo, Waycobah First Nation.38 years, AFNs leadership has relied upon the historical and cultural knowledge of the Council, especially in matters relatingKey Activities and Accomplishmentsto Treaty rights and First Nations governance, and this roleIn the past year, the Council met at the AFN Annual General continues today. Assembly and the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly to discuss The Council includes representatives from each of AFNs issues and challenges facing the Council and to bring together10 regions. The Council continues to play an important role innew ideas.all facets of the AFN and its operations. The Council are the keepers of our traditions, values, languages The Knowledge Keepers are: and history. They are guides to our leadership and future British Columbia representative leaders. They speak with honour and a great deal of pride. The Council will always encourage First Nations leaders and Dr. Gwendolyn Point, Skowkale First Nation champions through continuing to enlighten and inform forums, Yukon representative such as Chiefs Assemblies, through their experiences, issues,Charles Hume, Champagne and Aishihik First Nation successes and challenges. It is all of our responsibilities to Northwest Territories representative ensure prosperity and the safety of the little ones, just as our ancestors did for us.John Bekale, GamtAlberta representative The Council continues to engage with other Elders in theirBruce Starlight, Tsuutina Nation regions to share information and to communicate national messages to the grassroots.Saskatchewan representative Joseph Quewezance The Council participated in the National Gathering of Elders Manitoba representative that was held in Winnipeg, Man. on September 9-13, 2019. Members of the Council actively participated in several Ernie Daniels, Long Plain First Nation discussion panels throughout the three-day gathering, which Ontario representative included ceremony, reconciliation, language and culture,Edmond Sackaney, Fort Albany First Nation MMIWG, climate change and children and family.www.afn.ca 43'