b'ELDERS COUNCIL Elders Council ReportS ince the inception of theKey Activities and Accomplishmentsnational messages to the grassroots. National Indian BrotherhoodThe Council continues to meetThe Council participated in a three-day and transition to the Assemblybiannually at AFN Annual Generalretreat in June 2019, with a focus on the of First Nations (AFN), thereAssemblies and AFN Special Chiefsdevelopment of terms of reference. In has always been a place of honour andAssemblies to discuss issues andregions across Canada, First Nations are distinction for Elders, as is evident withinchallenges facing the Council and torevitalizing traditions and ceremonies the AFN Charter. The AFN Council ofbring together new ideas.through gatherings. The Council continues Elders (Council) provided both spiritualto advocate that First Nations traditions, and political guidance in the formationElders are the keepers of ourlanguages and ceremonies are shared and of the organization, its structures andtraditions, values, languages andkept alive, as they are the foundation to its Charter. The Council helped to shapehistory. They are guides to ourbuilding stronger Nations.AFN policies, and the relationship withleadership and future leaders. They the federal government, and national andspeak with honour and pride. TheThe Elders Council continues to move international organizations. ThroughoutCouncil will always encourage Firstforward on efforts regarding the its history, the AFNs leadership hasNations leaders and will continueestablishment of a traditional knowledge relied upon the historical and culturalto enlighten and inform on theirpolicy. The federal government has begun knowledge of the Council, especially inexperiences, issues, successes andto recognize the value of traditional matters relating to Treaty rights and Firstchallenges. It is all of our responsibilityknowledge, and has incorporated Nations governance.to ensure the prosperity and safety oftraditional knowledge into pieces of This role continues today. The Councilthe little ones, just as our ancestors didlegislation, notably on the environment. includes representatives from each of thefor us.These policies will hopefully guide future AFNs 10 regions. The Council continuesThe Council has made efforts to engagegovernments in these areas. to play an important role in all facets ofwith other Elders in their regions, toThe Council continues to meet on Council the AFN and its operations.share information, and to communicateprotocol, roles and responsibilities. 30 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2019'